Multiple explosions shook Iraq’s capital early Tuesday, with at least four people killed in an air raid on a building used by an Iran-backed group, according to reports citing witnesses and security sources.

At least four people were killed after an airstrike hit a building in Baghdad’s Jadiriya district, reportedly used by an Iran-backed group. The US military confirmed that four crew members were killed after a plane crashed in Iraq.

The airstrike followed a series of loud explosions heard across the city as there were multiple drone attacks targeting key locations in Baghdad, including the US Embassy and a prominent hotel, while a major oilfield in southern Iraq also came under attack.

US Embassy targeted in Green Zone

Explosions were also reported near the US Embassy compound located in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone. Verified visuals circulating online showed plumes of smoke rising from the vicinity, while air defence systems were seen intercepting multiple drones in the skies above the capital.

Security sources said four drones attempted to strike the US Embassy, but all were successfully intercepted. However, debris from the drones reportedly fell on Abu Nuwas Street and within the Green Zone.

Drone hits Al-Rasheed Hotel

A drone also struck the Al-Rasheed Hotel in the early hours, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.

Authorities said the drone hit the hotel’s upper fence, causing no casualties or significant material damage.

Southern oilfield also attacked

The violence extended beyond the capital, with the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq also targeted by drones. The attack was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of Iraq’s armed forces, raising concerns over the security of the country’s critical energy infrastructure.

The latest attacks come amid escalating hostilities in the region, as tensions intensify between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

The Election Commission on Tuesday ordered the transfer of 19 senior police officers in poll-bound West Bengal, including Additional Director Generals (ADGs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and city police commissioners, in the latest round of administrative reshuffle ahead of Assembly elections.

Among the key changes, the ADGs in charge of North and South Bengal have been replaced. IPS officer Rajesh Kumar Singh has been appointed as the new ADG of South Bengal, while K Jayaraman will take charge as ADG of North Bengal. Both officers are from the 1997 batch, according to an official statement.

The Commission has also named new commissioners of police for Howrah, Barrackpore, Asansol-Durgapur, and Chandannagar.

The move comes amid a widening confrontation between the state government and the poll body over a series of transfers carried out since the election schedule was announced.

Mamata flags ‘arbitrary’ removals in letter to CEC

A day earlier, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, objecting to what she described as sweeping and unexplained transfers of IAS and IPS officers. In her letter, she said the removals were carried out without any specific allegations of misconduct or election-related lapses.

Banerjee also pointed out that key administrative positions were changed within hours of the election notification, without consulting the state government or following established practices. She warned that such steps could weaken the principles of cooperative federalism and affect the credibility of the Election Commission.

“A matter of deep concern and surprise is that the heads of the administrative machinery in the state of West Bengal have been removed within hours of the press release announcing the General Election to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, 2026. This has been done in an arbitrary manner, without seeking a panel of officers from the state government and without adhering to the established convention that has guided ECI–state institutional functioning during previous elections,” the Chief Minister wrote.

“It also undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and the principles of our democratic polity, which form a basic feature of our constitutional governance. The Election Commission of India, as a constitutional authority of the highest standing, is expected not only to exercise its powers but also to uphold the spirit and values inherent in India’s federal structure,” she added.

The latest police reshuffle follows an earlier round of overnight transfers that saw the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner moved out of their posts soon after the poll announcement.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday welcomed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin at the airport, marking his first visit to the capital after being elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar.

The visit comes a day after the NDA registered a clean sweep in the Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, reinforcing its political strength in the Upper House. Nabin’s arrival in Delhi also signals the party’s growing momentum following the results.

Gupta said Nabin’s entry into the Rajya Sabha would add strength to efforts focused on public welfare and national priorities. She described his leadership as a source of motivation for party workers and extended greetings to him on behalf of Delhi’s residents and BJP cadres.

NDA’s clean sweep in Bihar Rajya Sabha polls

On Monday, Nabin congratulated NDA leaders after the alliance secured all seats in the Rajya Sabha elections. He extended his wishes to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha, JD(U) leader Ram Nath Thakur and BJP’s Shivesh Ram on their victory.

“Being elected to the Rajya Sabha is an important responsibility. I am confident that your experience and dedication to public service will play a vital role in placing Bihar’s development issues and matters of public interest more strongly on the national stage,” Nabin said.

The results were declared after the vote counting at the Bihar Assembly on Monday. Nitish Kumar and Nabin secured 44 votes each, while Kushwaha and Thakur received 42 votes each. Shivesh Ram, who initially polled 30 votes, won through second-preference votes.

We are now officially in the “Digital Ghost” age. For many years, a hostage carrying a morning newspaper was the only way to prove that they were alive. Even a 4K broadcast isn’t enough in 2026. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, is currently the main character in the world’s first “Existence-as-a-Service” psyop. In this game, a head of state has to go through a hall of mirrors to show that he is made of flesh and not pixels.

It’s not only about war in the Middle East; it’s a scary look at what the future of global leadership might look like in a time when AI-driven doubt can “kill” a leader’s public image without firing a single shot.

The “Six-Finger” Glitch: Where the rumours came from.

The situation started on Friday, March 13, after a news report about the escalating war between Israel and Iran. People were glancing at Netanyahu’s hands when he talked about military goals. A frame-by-frame dissection went popular on X, saying that a “warped” right hand displayed six fingers, which is a well-known “tell” for Generative AI.

Within hours, the story took hold on subreddits and X threads that Netanyahu had died in the attacks on February 28, and the Israeli government was utilizing a high-tech digital puppet to keep the country from falling apart.

The “Coffee” Counter-Strike and the Grok Betrayal

The PM’s office tried to pull off a PR coup on Sunday, March 15. Netanyahu showed up at a nearby cafe and casually ordered an espresso. “I’m dying for coffee,” he joked, which was a clever reference to the allegations that he had been killed. He even addressed the camera in a joking way, “Do you want to count my fingers?” But then the story took a turn. Thousands of people asked Grok, Elon Musk’s AI on X, to check the video. Grok’s decision to call the video “100% a deepfake” sent shockwaves through the tech industry. What is the AI’s logic?

• Static Physics: The coffee level in the cup didn’t go down even though Netanyahu drank from it several times.
• ⁠Lip-Sync Lag: Small changes in the muscles in the face that Grok’s algorithms found to be fake. The most powerful proof-of-life technology in the world suddenly became the thing that killed him.

A New Kind of War: The Tuesday Morning Address

As of this morning, Tuesday, March 17, Netanyahu released a video message wishing the Iranian people a happy Nowruz and “a year of freedom”

Notably, he made no mention of the war.

Within minutes of the video being posted, comments claiming the clip is Al-generated also began appearing.

But the harm to the “truth” is likely to last forever. This is the first time that AI detection technologies have been used as weapons, either on purpose or as Counter PsyOps at scale,to undermine the legitimacy of a sovereign leader. We are no longer in a “he said, she said” war. “Algorithm vs. Reality” is a war we are in.

The Question: Is He Real? Reuven Azar, the Israeli Ambassador to India, has officially scotched the rumors, but the “Netanyahu Ghost” story marks a turning point in modern warfare. Kinetic strikes destroy buildings, whereas Deepfake PsyOps destroy the concept of a leader’s existence. In 2026, being alive is a biological fact, but “proving alive” in the public mind is now a high-tech battleground.

Hollywood loves a dramatic win, but Sean Penn just flipped the script completely. While his name echoed inside the Dolby Theatre, the man himself was thousands of miles away, sitting across from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Yes, you read that right. He won an Oscar… and didn’t show up.

Penn picked up his third Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor, for playing Colonel Lockjaw in ‘One Battle After Another’. It was a major moment in his career. But when his name was announced, there was no emotional walk to the stage, no teary speech, no viral clip.

Also Read: Oscars 2026: Full list of winners at the 98th Academy Awards

Instead, last year’s winner Kieran Culkin stepped in to accept the award. Keeping things cheeky, he told the audience, “Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening, or didn’t want to.” The line landed, but the mystery only grew.

Not at the Oscars, but in Ukraine

While Hollywood clapped, Penn was in Ukraine meeting Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president later shared a photo of the two on social media, thanking the actor for his continued support.

Zelenskyy wrote that Penn has stood with Ukraine since the very start of the full-scale war and continues to do so. He also called Penn a “true friend of Ukraine”.

Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is.
You have stood with Ukraine since the first day of the full-scale war.
This is still true today.
And we know that you will continue to stand with our country and our people. pic.twitter.com/wGneO1rqJI

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 16, 2026

If you thought skipping the Oscars was shocking, here’s the twist, Penn has been dodging award shows all season.

At the Golden Globe Awards, he lost the Best Supporting Actor trophy to Stellan Skarsgård for ‘Sentimental Value’. But even when Penn ‘did’ win big, like at the Actor Awards and the BAFTA Awards, he still didn’t show up.

Basically, trophies are chasing him… and he’s nowhere to be found.

Activism over applause

For Penn, this isn’t about avoiding red carpets. It’s about priorities. At the Lumiere Film Festival, he opened up about how activism, filmmaking, and even carpentry all come from the same place.

He spoke about his documentary Superpower, co-directed with Aaron Kaufman, which focuses on his interactions with Zelenskyy.

Penn explained that whether he’s building furniture, acting in a film, or working in humanitarian spaces, the goal is the same; to “be value added.” But he also admitted it’s not always perfect. Sometimes, he said, you risk making things worse, and every action needs careful thought about its impact.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted interim relief to Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, directing the removal of allegedly defamatory online content linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. The Court held that the material in question warranted immediate restraint and ordered its takedown.

Himayani Puri filed a Rs. 10 crore defamation suit seeking a global takedown of posts linking her to American financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She also requested a John Doe order to identify and act against unknown individuals responsible for circulating the content.

The Court has restrained the publication and circulation of allegedly defamatory content targeting Himayani Puri. The Court observed that a prima facie case had been established, the balance of convenience lay in favour of the plaintiff, and irreparable harm would result if the content remained online. Accordingly, the Court directed that the defendants must immediately stop publishing or sharing the disputed material on any platform.

Takedown Limited to Indian Jurisdiction

Justice Mini Pushkarna directed social media platforms, including Twitter, Google, YouTube, Meta, and LinkedIn, to remove the content. However, the Court clarified that the order would apply only within India for now.

The judge noted that the issue of a global takedown is currently pending before a Division Bench. Accordingly, the present directions are restricted to content accessible within India or originating from Indian IP addresses. Platforms were also directed to block access in India to content hosted abroad.

“Considering that the matter regarding injunction at global level is subject matter of Division Bench, orders in that regard may not be passed. It is directed that the directions passed today are to be followed within India jurisdiction, Indian domain. The present injunction order operates within Indian domain wrt videos and content uploaded within Indian jurisdiction and from IP addresses within India. Insofar as URLs and links uploaded from outside India, defendants are directed to block access from being viewed in India,” Justice Pushkarna ordered.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 7.

With tensions rising around the Strait of Hormuz, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said the situation carries echoes of the 1956 Suez crisis, another moment when a strategic waterway pulled the world into a larger confrontation.

In a post on X, Ramesh said what is unfolding around Hormuz today is not entirely new. Decades ago, he noted, the Suez Canal had triggered a similar wave of global anxiety, drawing in major powers and escalating quickly.

“The world is grappling with the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Seventy years ago, it grappled with what is known as the Suez Crisis,” Ramesh posted on X.

The remarks come as worries grow over the safety of key shipping routes and what it could mean for global oil supplies. By bringing up Suez, Ramesh is essentially saying this isn’t the first time a narrow stretch of water has triggered bigger tensions.

He pointed out that the Suez crisis began on July 26, 1956, when Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the canal. The decision upset Western countries and soon pushed the region towards conflict.

From diplomacy to conflict

Ramesh recalled that India was involved in efforts to ease tensions at the time, with VK Krishna Menon playing a role in negotiations. Those attempts did not last long.

By October that year, Britain, France and Israel had launched a joint military operation against Egypt. The action, however, was brief. Then US President Dwight D Eisenhower intervened, forcing the three countries to withdraw within days.

“They had to abort it humiliatingly in a few days after a furious US President Dwight Eisenhower intervened,” he said.

He also noted what he described as an irony, that the same US leadership had earlier backed the 1953 coup in Iran after the nationalisation of its oil industry.

After the fighting ended, a United Nations Emergency Force was deployed along the Egypt-Israel border, including Sinai and Gaza. Indian troops were part of this mission, and officers such as Lt Gen PS Gyani and Maj Gen Inder Jit Rikhye held senior roles.

Ramesh also referred to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Indian soldiers in Gaza in 1960, calling it a reflection of India’s commitment to peacekeeping. The UN force stayed until 1967, after which the region again slipped into conflict with the Six-Day War.

Ramesh’s remarks come as attention turns once again to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but vital route for global oil supplies.

The ‘Daal Gadot’ backlash explained: The Oscars are usually about glitter, gowns, and golden statues. But this time, a few words from the stage quietly hijacked the entire night, and dragged an unexpected name into the middle of an online storm.

When Javier Bardem walked onto the stage at the 98th Academy Awards, things seemed routine. He was there with Priyanka Chopra Jonas to present Best International Feature Film at the iconic Dolby Theatre.

But instead of the usual scripted banter, Bardem opened with a blunt statement: “No to war and free Palestine.”

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra shows up to the Oscars looking like a bride, and Nick Jonas can’t take his eyes off her

The room responded instantly. Loud applause. No hesitation.

It wasn’t just a throwaway line either. Bardem had clearly planned the moment. On his tuxedo lapel, he wore two pins; one reading “No to War” and another showing support for Palestine.

Priyanka’s silent moment gets loud attention

Standing right next to him, Chopra Jonas didn’t say anything. She smiled slightly and nodded as Bardem spoke, then continued with the presentation like nothing unusual had happened.

That brief reaction, barely a few seconds, ended up becoming one of the most replayed clips from the night.

And not in a flattering way.

Social media didn’t just watch the moment. It dissected it. Frame by frame.

Many users questioned why Chopra Jonas chose to remain silent while appearing to acknowledge the statement. For some, the smile and nod felt vague. For others, it looked like avoidance.

Bardem’s long history of speaking out

This wasn’t a one-off for Bardem. The Oscar-winning actor, known for films like ‘No Country for Old Men’, ‘Biutiful and Before Night Falls’, has been consistently vocal about the war in Gaza.

In recent months, he has openly condemned the conflict and called for international pressure on Israel. He has also referred to statements by the International Association of Genocide Scholars while pushing for sanctions and diplomatic action.

Earlier this year, he joined over 100 film professionals in signing an open letter criticising the Berlin International Film Festival. The group accused the festival of staying silent on Gaza and allegedly censoring filmmakers who tried to speak out.

So, when Bardem spoke at the Oscars, it wasn’t out of character. It was very much in line with his public stance.

Internet reacts, fast and messy

Within minutes of the broadcast, clips of the moment flooded platforms like X and Reddit. Many users praised Bardem for using such a massive global stage to make a political statement.

But the conversation quickly shifted.

Instead of focusing only on what Bardem said, a large chunk of the internet zoomed in on Chopra Jonas.

Criticism poured in. Some questioned her reaction. Others pointed to her long-standing association with UNICEF. Chopra Jonas has worked with the organisation since 2006 and became a Global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016.

That background made the silence look even more noticeable to critics.

Several posts asked why she has not publicly addressed the Gaza conflict or even the ongoing tensions involving Iran, despite her humanitarian role. The expectation, at least online, seemed clear: neutrality was not being accepted.

The strange rise of ‘Daal Gadot’

Then came the nickname that took things in an entirely different direction.

A viral post from a user called DiscourseDancer read: “Meanwhile look at the expressions of our Daal Gadot next to him.”

Meanwhile look at the expressions of our Daal Gadot next to him pic.twitter.com/96Wemu5yDj

— রাজ শেখর (@DiscourseDancer) March 16, 2026

That one line exploded.

Soon, “Daal Gadot” was trending.

The phrase was a satirical mashup linking Chopra Jonas with Gal Gadot, who has faced criticism in the past for her political views and support of Israel.

The comparison wasn’t about appearance. It was about perceived positioning, or lack of it.

A moment bigger than the award

Ironically, the award Bardem and Chopra Jonas presented barely became the headline.

Instead, the focus stayed on that one sentence, the quiet nod beside it, and everything people read into it afterward.

The Oscars stage has always been political, but not every moment lands the same way. This one didn’t just spark applause inside the theatre, it triggered a full-blown internet debate outside it.

And while Bardem’s stance was expected, it was Chopra Jonas’ silence that turned into the louder story.

The internet blinked… and the song vanished.

What was supposed to be a big splash for ‘KD: The Devil’ has suddenly turned into a full-blown controversy, with the makers quietly pulling down a newly released track after facing sharp criticism online.

The song ‘Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse’ (called ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ in Hindi) dropped on YouTube, and almost instantly walked into trouble. Within hours, social media was buzzing, but not in a good way.

Viewers slammed the track for what they called “suggestive” and “vulgar” content. The criticism focused on both the lyrics and the visuals, with many users calling them inappropriate.

Also Read: ‘Star egos and power games’: Vir Das explains why roast-style hosting like Oscars fails in India

Then came the twist. Barely a day after release, the video was made private. Anyone trying to watch it now is greeted with a blunt message: “Video unavailable. This video is private.”

Nora’s viral step becomes the talking point

The track featured Nora Fatehi in a full-on dance number set inside a bar. Dressed in a ghagra choli, she is seen dancing among a group of men.

One particular hook step where her pallu becomes part of the choreography quickly went viral. Clips spread fast online, adding more fuel to the already heated reactions.

But the same visuals that caught attention also triggered outrage. Many viewers pointed out the use of double-meaning lyrics and said the presentation crossed a line.

The song wasn’t just about Nora. It also featured Sanjay Dutt. The lyrics were penned by Raqueeb Alam, but instead of praise, the writing became a major reason for criticism online.

NHRC member calls it out

कौन सभ्य परिवार साथ बैठकर यह देख सकता है ❓

बॉलीवुड से नैतिकता की अपेक्षा तो है ही नहीं परंतु सेंसर बोर्ड द्वारा अश्लीलता को लाइसेंस देना शर्मनाक है।
यह मानसिक रोगी अपनी मनोविकृतियों से पीढ़ीयों को बर्बाद कर रहे हैं।

हम इस गंदगी को समाज में फैलने नहीं देंगे,कार्यवाही हेतु नोटिस… pic.twitter.com/6CWRf2cujD

— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) March 16, 2026

The controversy didn’t stay limited to social media. It reached official corridors too.

Priyank Kanungo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, reacted strongly when asked about the song on March 16. He questioned its appropriateness, asking who could comfortably watch such content with their family.

Reports suggest that notices may have been issued to the makers based on complaints about the song.

What is ‘KD: The Devil’ about?

Directed by Prem, ‘KD: The Devil’ is Kannada period action drama set in 1970s Bengaluru.

The story is said to be inspired by real-life events following the rise of a small-time criminal who eventually becomes a feared gangster.

The film stars Dhruva Sarja in the lead role with a supporting cast including Shilpa Shetty, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah and Jisshu Sengupta.

Backed by KVN Productions, the music for the film is composed by Arjun Janya.

The Indian LPG tanker ‘Nanda Devi’ today arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat, bringing home approximately 46,500 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The cargo will be transferred through a ship-to-ship (STS) operation at anchorage, with transfer to MT BW Birch scheduled to begin later today.

The tanker had set sail from Qatar and navigated the sensitive Strait of Hormuz without incident, despite heightened tensions in West Asia. Its arrival is expected to ease concerns over fuel supply disruptions.

#WATCH | Gujarat | LPG tanker Nanda Devi arrives at Vadinar (Jamnagar) port carrying 46,500 MT LPG for ship-to-ship transfer at the anchorage. STS transfer to MT BW Birch to commence today. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), visited on board the… pic.twitter.com/c41bxZHHKq

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2026

Gujarat | LPG tanker Nanda Devi arrives at Vadinar (Jamnagar) port carrying 46,500 MT LPG for ship-to-ship transfer at the anchorage. STS transfer to MT BW Birch to commence today. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), visited on board the vessel to… pic.twitter.com/NnZC9qGpDV

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2026

Second Successful Hormuz Transit

Nanda Devi is the second Indian LPG vessel in recent days to successfully pass through the Strait of Hormuz and reach Indian shores, underscoring continued efforts to maintain energy supply lines during a volatile period.

A day earlier, the LPG carrier Shivalik reached Mundra port carrying around 40,000 metric tons of LPG. Officials stated that part of the cargo will be discharged at Mundra, with the remaining quantity earmarked for Mangalore.

Authorities said movements of Indian vessels in the region are being closely monitored to ensure the safety of ships and crew.

#WATCH | Gujarat: LPG tanker Shivalik, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz, reaches Mundra Port. pic.twitter.com/tVXvWunqba

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026

Coordinated Efforts Behind Voyage

Chief Officer of Nanda Devi vessel credited the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Shipping Corporation of India for spearheading the operation. He highlighted that support from the Indian Navy and the Iranian Navy helped ensure safe passage through the high-risk maritime route. He added that the 46,000 metric tons of LPG will help India in a time of worldwide crisis due to conflict in West Asia.

“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this operation of crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative was taken by the Indian Ministry, Shipping Corporation of India, with the help of the Indian Navy and the Iranian Navy. Vessel transmitted the Hormuz safely, and will be serving a huge amount of LPG, 46,000 metric tons. This will help in the worldwide crisis of LPG. We will continue to serve the LPG in the future also,” he said.

#WATCH | Gujarat | LPG tanker Nanda Devi arrives at Vadinar (Jamnagar) port carrying 46,500 MT LPG for ship-to-ship transfer at the anchorage. STS transfer to MT BW Birch to commence today. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), visited on board the… pic.twitter.com/h6wG27b5cf

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2026

Oil Tanker ‘Jag Laadki’ Also En Route

Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged vessel Jag Laadki is en route to India from the United Arab Emirates, carrying approximately 81,000 tons of Murban crude oil.

Authorities confirmed that all Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region are safe, with no incidents reported in the past 24 hours.

Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of over 600 crew members, as India continues to secure critical energy shipments despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.

The internet just got louder, and no, it’s not a comeback song yet. It’s the sound of millions of fans screaming after the trailer of ‘BTS: The Return’ quietly dropped and then exploded everywhere.

After years of waiting, the seven members of BTS are finally back in one frame. And yes, it’s emotional.

Also Read: BTS and the unbelievable rise of seven boys who took over global pop music, breaking records, rewriting rules

A reunion that feels like a movie scene

The trailer, which runs for one minute and fifty-five seconds, opens with a simple but powerful moment: reunion.

Shot in Los Angeles, it shows all seven members coming together after completing their military service. No dramatic entry, no loud music. Just them, walking into a studio again. And somehow, that’s enough.

Fans get a peek at the group settling back into their old rhythm, slowly stepping into a new chapter.

From Seoul dreams to global fame

The documentary doesn’t just stay in the present. It takes a step back.

It traces their journey from their early days in Korea to becoming one of the biggest music acts in the world. Since debuting in 2013, BTS has built a global fan base that stretches across continents. And the film doesn’t shy away from showing how that happened.

There are glimpses of their past, their struggles, and the scale of what they’ve achieved.

Studio, silence, and honest conversations

This isn’t just about music. It’s about everything that happened in between.

The documentary follows the members as they return to the studio and begin working on new music. But more importantly, it captures their conversations; about time away, personal changes, and what comes next.

There are quiet moments. Honest reflections. And a clear sense that things are not exactly the same, but maybe stronger.

Brotherhood that didn’t fade

One thing the trailer makes very clear: the bond is still there.

Even after years apart, the chemistry between the members feels untouched. There are small laughs, shared looks, and an easy comfort that only comes with time.

It’s less about a comeback and more about reconnecting with each other and with their music.

The team behind the camera

The film is directed by Bao Nguyen, known for projects like ‘The Stringer’ and ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’.

It is produced by HYBE, along with This Machine and EAST Films.

Executive producers include Mark Blatty, Melissa Robledo, Seonjeong Shin, Nicole Kim, Kyewon Suh, and James Shin. Producers on the project are Jane Cha Cutler, Bao Nguyen, R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Trevor Smith, Choongeon Lee, Namjo Kim, and Se Jun Lee.

When and where to watch

The wait isn’t too long.

‘BTS: The Return’ will stream worldwide on Netflix starting March 27, 2026.

US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic note on the ongoing Iran conflict, saying he believes the fighting may not drag on for too long and could end sooner than many expect, with the outcome, in his view, making the world more secure.

His comments come at a moment when tensions are running high across the Middle East, with military strikes, uncertain diplomacy, and nervous financial markets all reacting to the fast-changing situation. Trump also signalled a shift in his diplomatic calendar, choosing to remain in Washington instead of travelling abroad.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the conflict could be “wrapped up soon”.

“It won’t be long. And we’re going to have a much safer world when it’s wrapped up. It’ll be wrapped up soon. We’re going to have a much safer world. I had an obligation to do this. I didn’t want to,” Trump said.

He argued that the risks of inaction would have been far greater. “You want to see a stock market go down? Start letting them hit you with nukes,” Trump said, defending the decision to proceed with military action.

China visit pushed as Trump stays back amid conflict

Amid the ongoing crisis, Trump indicated that his planned visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping may be deferred by about a month. According to CNN, the US side has requested a delay, with Trump stressing that his presence in the country was important at this stage.

“We’re speaking to China. I would love to go, but because of the war, I want to be here,” he said.

“We have requested that we delay it a month or so, and I’m looking forward to meeting with him,” said Trump, adding: “We’ve got a war going on. I think it’s important that I be here. So it could be that we delay it a little bit, not much.”

The visit, earlier expected between late March and early April, has not been rescheduled yet.

The White House had earlier hinted at a possible postponement. Trump has also been urging China to play a role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said Beijing had a stake in the issue, noting that China depends heavily on oil shipments through the strait.

On the economic front, Trump acknowledged that markets had reacted to the developments but described the impact as limited. “It’s a very small price to pay,” he said, adding that he had anticipated a sharper decline.

Calling the situation a “high-level chess game”, Trump said he was dealing with “very smart players” and suggested that the broader objective was global stability.

Separately, he said he remained open to engaging with Iran, though uncertainty over its leadership made dialogue difficult. “We don’t even know who they are,” he said, referring to the current situation within the Iranian leadership.​

Head coach Shelley Nitschke is using the upcoming tour of the Caribbean as an important audition for the Australia women’s national cricket team ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

With six white-ball matches scheduled against the West Indies women’s national cricket team, this series provides a final chance to test combinations and finalize the squad for the tournament starting on June 12.

Australia will be without star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who is being rested as part of a workload management plan.

Nitschke, however, highlighted the broader context behind this decision. “We all know how great Annabel is, and I certainly think she’s going to be a key part of our T20 batting lineup at some point and offers us strong hitting down the order right now,” she said.

“But her absence is part of a larger management plan. It also gives us opportunities to examine a few things we need to consider before heading to England to better understand our options and ideal makeup.”

Sutherland’s absence opens opportunities for players like Nicola Carey, Lucy Hamilton, and Megan Schutt to make their case. Captain Sophie Molineux is expected to return after recovering from a back issue. Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry are also available after dealing with quad problems, providing Australia with nearly a full-strength pool to select from.

Even with this experimentation, Nitschke made it clear that winning is still important. “We are coming here to win these games,” she said. “I’m going to choose the team that’s best for the conditions, and I think there will be chances for players.”

“We’ve got 15 or 14 players here right now, and I think some opportunities will arise in these three games. But, above all, we want to perform really well.”

At the top of the order, the pairing of Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll is likely to continue despite mixed results in the recent series against India, with Phoebe Litchfield expected to maintain her spot at number three.

Nitschke indicated that only minor adjustments are needed as the team approaches its final lineup.

“I think we’re really close to finalizing our best side,” she noted. “There was a lot of talk about the India series, but we didn’t change much. Our top order has been pretty stable for a while.”

“I believe we have just a couple of decisions to make and a few tweaks to figure out our best combinations too.”

There is still a chance for power-hitter Grace Harris to vie for a spot, despite missing the Caribbean tour. “We all recognize how great Sutherland is, and I certainly think she will play a significant role in our T20 batting lineup at some point,” Nitschke added.

“She still provides us with strong hitting down the order. We all know what Grace can do; she has a unique advantage and remains part of the discussions about what the final squad will look like for the World Cup.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been releasing a series of video messages, appearing to directly counter viral rumours on social media that falsely claimed he had been assassinated. The videos, shared on X, show the Israeli leader in casual and public settings, reinforcing that he is alive and active amid a surge of misinformation online.

In the latest video message extended greetings to the people of Iran on the holiday season, expressing hope for the triumph of good over evil amid ongoing regional tensions.  Netanyahu said, “To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year, a happy holiday season, beginning with the Festival of Lights. It signifies the age-old belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness, that good will triumph over evil.”

His remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, with multiple global leaders engaging on issues related to regional security and stability.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year a happy holiday season, beginning with the Festival of Lights.

It signifies the age old belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness, that good will triumph over evil. pic.twitter.com/PoY2Mhlg6p

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 16, 2026

Cafe Clip and Social Media Posts Counter Viral Claims

Earlier, Netanyahu shared multiple short clips, including one of him sipping coffee at a café and another interacting with people.

In one widely circulated post, he captioned a video, “They say I’m what? Watch,” in an apparent response to claims of his death. Another clip showed him raising his hand and showing his five fingers, seemingly addressing online speculation that an earlier video was AI-generated, showing him with six fingers.

אומרים שאני מה? צפו >> pic.twitter.com/ijHPkM3ZHZ

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 15, 2026

The posts came after some social media users alleged irregularities in footage—such as a supposed “six-finger” visual glitch, fuelling conspiracy theories about artificial intelligence manipulation.

שומרים על ההנחיות ומנצחים ביחד >> pic.twitter.com/HC5w3PqKuV

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 16, 2026

Israel Envoy Dismisses ‘Disinformation’

Reuven Azar also stepped in to refute the rumours, stating that Netanyahu is “very much alive” and that the café video is authentic.

He attributed the speculation to widespread disinformation, noting that he had personally seen the Prime Minister recently.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I saw him personally when I was in Israel more than once. This video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. There is a lot of disinformation,” he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I saw him personally when I was in Israel more than once. This video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. There is a lot of disinformation..,” says Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, on a viral video of Israeli PM Benjamin… pic.twitter.com/5sd1WDe4w3

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026

Government Rejects Assassination Claims

Netanyahu’s office issued a firm denial of the rumours, calling them “fake news” and confirming that the Prime Minister is in good health.

The false claims gained traction after a recent press conference video sparked online debate, with some users alleging that the footage was AI-generated, claiming to have identified six fingers on the Prime Minister’s right hand.

Specifically, viewers pointed to a moment at the 0:35 mark where Netanyahu raises his hands, asserting that visible extra flesh near his little finger was a ‘Classic AI finger glitch’.

אתמול במסיבת העיתונאים עמדתי על היעדים הברורים של המערכה: פגיעה במשטר הטרור באיראן, המשך המאבק מול שלוחותיו, והבטחת ביטחונה ועתידה של ישראל.

אנחנו לא מחכים. אנחנו יוזמים, אנחנו תוקפים ואנחנו עושים זאת בעוצמה.

צפו בדברים המלאים >> pic.twitter.com/hubJWVdiKQ

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 13, 2026

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan has condemned the reported civilian casualties from recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Kabul, calling the targeting of civilian infrastructure a “war crime” and urging international bodies to investigate the incident.

In a post on X, the Afghan cricketer expressed deep sorrow over reports that civilians were killed in the strikes, which local officials say hit a major addiction treatment hospital in the Afghan capital.

“I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul,” Khan wrote. “Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime.”

He added that the reported attacks during the holy month of Ramadan were particularly disturbing.

“The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred,” Khan said in the post.

The cricketer also urged international organisations to take action and ensure accountability for the reported attack.

“I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account. I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah,” he wrote.

His remarks come after Taliban officials reported that an airstrike late Monday struck the 2,000-bed Umid addiction treatment hospital in Kabul. Authorities said hundreds of patients and civilians were believed to be inside the facility when the attack occurred.

According to officials of the Taliban-led government, the strike killed more than 400 people and injured at least 250 others, although the figures could not be independently verified.

Deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, said the bombing caused extensive destruction across the hospital complex, while health officials reported that many sections of the facility had been severely damaged.

Rescue teams continued search and recovery operations through the night as emergency responders worked to treat the wounded and recover victims from the debris.

The domestic share markets continued their recovery this week, with both benchmark indices opening in the green on Tuesday and extending their upward movement.
The Nifty 50 opened at 23,493.20, gaining 84.40 points or 0.36 per cent, while the BSE Sensex opened at 75,824.17, up by 321.32 points or 0.43 per cent.

Market experts noted that despite continued foreign portfolio investor (FPI) selling, the markets showed resilience.

Ajay Bagga, banking and market expert, told ANI, “Indian markets saw FPI selling of over Rs 9000 crores in the cash equity segment on Monday. However, a last-hour surge took Indian markets into the positive zone on the back of strong performance by financials and autos. US markets finished in the green as technology shares got a boost from strong guidance from Nvidia. Asian markets opened in the green following the US lead. The RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) has raised rates by 25 bps as expected.”

He added, “Oil remains a crippling issue for the global economy. With the Iran war closing down the Strait of Hormuz, the supply of crude oil, derivatives, LNG, LPG all is constrained. Oil will stay higher for many months post the resolution of the Iran US conflict. That will be a dampener for the global economy.”
In the broader markets on the NSE, all indices were trading in positive territory in early trade. The Nifty 100 gained 0.37 per cent, while the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 both surged by 0.49 per cent.

Sectorally, all indices were in the green, indicating broad-based buying. Nifty Auto rose by 0.43 per cent, Nifty FMCG gained 0.30 per cent, Nifty Media was up by 0.46 per cent, Nifty Pharma increased by 0.38 per cent, Nifty PSU Bank gained 0.50 per cent, and Nifty Metal surged by 0.55 per cent.

In commodities, gold prices showed a downward trend, declining to Rs 156653 per 10 grams for 24 karat compared to last week. Silver prices also declined and were currently at Rs 259160 per kg.

Meanwhile, Brent crude prices in the international market continued to rise, gaining 2.82 per cent to USD 103 per barrel.
On the institutional flow front, foreign institutional investors (FII) recorded net selling of Rs 9366 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DII), however, provided support with net inflows of Rs 12593 crore.

In other Asian markets, most major indices were trading in the green at the time of filing this report. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by 0.29 per cent to 53908 levels, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.94 per cent to 26078 levels, Taiwan’s Weighted index surged by 1.57 per cent to 33865 levels, and South Korea’s KOSPI rallied by 2.63 per cent to 5695 levels.
In the US markets on Monday, all major indices closed higher. The Dow Jones gained 0.83 per cent to close at 46946 levels, the S&P 500 rose by 1 per cent to 6,699.38 levels, and the Nasdaq also climbed 1.22 per cent to 22374 levels.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill-2026 was passed after a heated debate on late Monday night in the state Legislative Assembly. The ruling Mahayuti government strongly defended the necessity of the Bill to curb the unlawful and forced conversion, while cracks surfaced within the Maha Vikas Aghadi government after the Shiv Sena(UBT) extended its support, but other allies, including Congress, NCP(SP) and Samajwadi Party, opposed the bill.

The Bill will now be referred to the Legislative Council for passage. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the Bill “is not directed against any specific religion. Instead, he emphasised that it is being introduced solely to prevent religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, or allurement.

The Chief Minister explained the government’s stance while addressing the Legislative Assembly. The Bill, titled the ‘Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026’, was tabled in the House on Friday by the Minister of State for Home (Rural), Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, to curb conversions happening via baiting, deception, or force.

CM Fadnavis noted that anti-conversion laws are already in effect in several states, including Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Following this trend, Maharashtra has decided to implement a similar law.

He stated that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution grants every citizen the right to freedom of religion — the right to profess, practice, and propagate one’s faith. However, converting someone through fraud, pressure, force, or temptation is inherently wrong, making this law necessary to curb such incidents. “Individuals wishing to convert voluntarily must follow a legal process. The person must inform authorised officials about the conversion. Competent authorities will verify that the conversion is indeed voluntary before granting approval,” he said.

Supporting the Bill, Bhaskar Jadhav of the Shiv Sena(UBT) said it aims to protect the right to religious freedom and prevent illegal religious conversions. It is comprehensive and does not target any specific religion, despite rumours or misconceptions. The objective is to curb unethical practices and misuse of religion that harm individuals or communities.

Jadhav said there are false claims in the media suggesting that the Bill targets a particular religion; this is incorrect. The bill applies to all religions equally, and its intent is to prevent coercion or inducement in religious conversion.

During the debate, the NCP(SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad sparked a major controversy in the Legislative Assembly while speaking on the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill-2026. During his speech, Awhad cited various historical instances. However, an uproar erupted in the House when he made a specific reference regarding the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed Awhad to express regret, after which the MLA tendered an apology to the House.