With the conflict in the Middle East escalating and global energy supplies and production facing disruptions, the government on Tuesday announced several measures to deal with the looming LPG crisis, invoking emergency provisions under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) and urging consumers to complete Aadhaar-based biometric authentication (e-KYC) to ensure uninterrupted availability of cooking gas.

The measures were taken amid intensifying Middle East conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the latter’s retaliation. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supplies.

India, which imports about 85 per cent of its crude and nearly half of its natural gas, is vulnerable to such disruptions.

As the government scrambles to manage the energy crisis, LPG shortage has raised concerns among hotels and restaurants and other industries across major cities.

Industry bodies have warned that if the situation does not improve in the next two days, about half of the hotels and restaurants could be forced to shut operations temporarily.

Govt prioritising domestic consumers

Amid the looming crisis, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the government has taken steps to safeguard domestic fuel supplies despite the global disruptions caused by the war.

“In today’s informal interaction with members of the media fraternity, we discussed that India’s energy imports are continuing to flow in from different sources and routes,” Puri said.

He added that the government has ensured 100 per cent supply of CNG and PNG to domestic consumers, while other industries continue to receive around 70–80 per cent of their gas supplies.

“We are committed to ensure uninterrupted supply of affordable energy to our domestic consumers. There is no shortage for domestic consumers and no reason to panic,” the minister added.

New bookings for commercial LPG cylinders halted

The crisis has led to a shortage of commercial LPG in the country. In Rajasthan, oil marketing companies have directed distributors to halt new bookings for commercial LPG cylinders.

The supply of commercial LPG has also been disrupted in Karnataka, where several hotels, restaurants, and roadside food vendors are on the verge of shutting down their operations.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, requesting his intervention to ensure adequate commercial LPG supply is made available to hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments and to give directions to the Oil Marketing Companies to address the current supply constraints.

50 per cent hotels on the verge of shutting down operations

The Hotel and Restaurant Association has raised the alarm, claiming that the shortage of commercial LPG could force around 50 per cent of hotels and restaurants across several cities to shut their operations in two days.

“The shortage of commercial LPG has become extremely serious over the past week, with intermittent disruptions escalating into a near-complete halt in supply in several regions since yesterday,” said Pradeep Shetty, VP, FHRAI & Spokesperson, Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India).

The shortage, Shetty said, will affect international tourists who are already here and those who will be visiting the country. “Also, smaller and medium-sized eateries will be the first to be impacted, as they typically operate with limited reserves.”

LPG consumers asked to complete Aadhaar authentication

In a bid to curb the hoarding and black marketing, the government has stepped up Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for LPG consumers under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

According to the Petroleum Ministry, consumers can now complete Aadhaar authentication and e-KYC without visiting LPG distributors.

Users can simply scan the QR code shared by the ministry or visit the link pmuy.gov.in/e-kyc.html to complete e-KYC process.

The consumers, however, would continue to get their LPG cylinders refilled even if their Aadhaar authentication is incomplete.

Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao on Wednesday strongly criticised the verdict delivered by State Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on the disqualification petitions related to alleged defections, stating that the decision was contrary to the spirit of democracy.

Reacting to the Speaker’s ruling, Ramchander Rao told the media that the verdict was surprising despite what he described as clear evidence of a legislator elected on one party ticket switching to another party within six months and contesting the Lok Sabha elections as that party’s candidate.

He said the entire public had witnessed the events and declared that such actions, which he said did not amount to defection, were nothing but an insult to democracy and a disregard for the mandate given by the people.

The BJP leader also questioned the stand of Rahul Gandhi on the issue. He noted that the Anti-Defection Law was introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi through a constitutional amendment, but alleged that the law was now being violated.
“If the Constitution is being violated so openly, how can such a verdict be justified by a Speaker functioning under a government led by your party?” he asked, referring to the Indian National Congress government in the state.
Ramchander Rao said the verdict not only insulted democracy but also appeared to undermine the Constitution and the mandate of the people. He added that the Bharatiya Janata Party strongly objected to the Speaker’s decision.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday criticised the Narendra Modi government after remarks attributed to the press secretary of US President Donald Trump regarding India’s imports of oil from Russia, saying the comments amounted to a “capitulation certificate” being issued to the Indian prime minister.

In a post on the social media platform X, Ramesh said that after the US Treasury Secretary, the White House press secretary had now weighed in on India’s stance over Russian oil purchases and praised the Modi government for agreeing to halt imports.

“After the US Treasury Secretary, it is now the turn of President Trump’s Press Secretary to give Mr. Modi a capitulation certificate,” Ramesh wrote. “According to her, the Modi Govt behaved well by agreeing to stop imports of oil from Russia, and as a reward it has now been allowed to do so for a period of 30 days.”

Ramesh alleged that such remarks reflected poorly on India’s diplomatic posture and suggested that the government was yielding to pressure from Washington.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly maintained that India’s energy decisions are guided by national interest and the need to ensure affordable fuel for its citizens. New Delhi has also defended its purchase of discounted crude oil from Russia following disruptions in global energy markets after the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict, Western nations have imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow and sought to limit Russian energy revenues. However, several countries, including India, have continued to buy Russian crude, citing energy security and market considerations.

India’s imports of Russian oil rose significantly after the conflict began, with refiners taking advantage of lower prices compared with other global benchmarks. The government has previously argued that Europe itself continued to purchase various forms of Russian energy even while urging other countries to reduce dependence on Moscow.

The Congress party has frequently accused the Modi government of compromising India’s strategic autonomy in its foreign policy, while the government has countered that it is pursuing a balanced and pragmatic approach in dealing with global powers.

It seems the magic of Ranveer Singh is impossible to ignore! Be it red carpet or film set, the actor’s latest performance in ‘Dhurandhar’ is earning applause from everywhere, and that is not just fans but industry insiders too. The newest admirer? None other than National Award-winning composer Shashwat Sachdev.

Shashwat Sachdev can’t stop praising Ranveer Singh

Speaking about Ranveer’s role, Sachdev didn’t hold back. He shared, “Don’t you think there is something so special on how Ranveer interprets his role in the film? Had it been someone else besides Ranveer, they have also practiced as hard and worked as hard and seen or struggled exceptionally hard to be where they are. But now when you see Ranveer, why we appreciate him is because of now philosophically what he brings in the film as an actor.”

Also Read: Dhurandhar OTT Tsunami! Netflix records shattered, sequel tickets cross 2 lakh before release

In other words, while many actors work tirelessly on their craft, Ranveer brings a rare philosophical depth to his characters.

A track record of fearless performances

This isn’t new territory for Ranveer. Over the years, he has carved niche as one of Bollywood’s most compelling actors. Audiences and critics alike have often praised his intensity, dedication, in addition to his bold approach to every role.

From his larger-than-life energy to subtle emotional nuance, Ranveer’s performances leave lasting impact.

‘Dhurandhar’ only strengthens that reputation. And of course, it turns heads across the industry.

Dhurandhar 2 already creating buzz

Fans who loved the first part are now buzzing even more as the sequel approaches. With ‘Dhurandhar Part 2’ on the horizon already, Ranveer looks ready to dominate the box office once again.

The momentum is high. And if this very excitement around the sequel is any indication, Ranveer Singh might be entering that phase of truly undisputed stardom.

Who else remembers being glued to screens during the lockdown, scrolling endlessly, wondering what life would look like if the world paused? Well, now Tamil audiences can watch that very feeling unfold in movie ‘Lockdown’, starring Anupama Parameswaran, which has officially landed on OTT.

Lockdown OTT release

After teasing fans and surviving multiple release hiccups, ‘Lockdown’ is now available to stream from March 11, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video. Good news: it’s not just for Tamil viewers. Telugu and Hindi audiences can join in on the drama too.

Sadly, those waiting for Kannada and Malayalam versions are still in suspense as no release dates have been confirmed.

Also Read: ‘The Boys’ Season 5 trailer announces release date and cast line-up for the highly anticipated final season

Before making its digital debut, ‘Lockdown’ faced rollercoaster of delays. Initially set for December 2025, the film’s theatrical release was postponed due to heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah.

Then another surprise delay popped up for reasons the makers didn’t publicly reveal. Finally, audiences got to see it on the big screen on January 30, 2026.

‘Lockdown’ plot that hits close to home

At its heart, ‘Lockdown’ tells the story of Anitha, played by Anupama Parameswaran. She’s the eldest daughter in a strict, conservative household. When traumatic incident disrupts her life, she’s forced to confront isolation and emotional turmoil under lockdown restrictions.

The film captures the quiet desperation, mental strain, personal conflicts many faced during the pandemic.

Supporting Anupama is a powerhouse ensemble: Charle plays Suresh, Livingston joins in a pivotal role, Nirosha portrays Anitha’s mother Sudha, and Priya Venkat shines as Swapna.

Other cast members include George Maryan, Indhumathi, Rajkumar, Shamji, Lollu Saba Maran, Redin Kingsley, and Vinayak Raj.

Behind the scenes of ‘Lockdown’

Directed by debutant AR Jeeva and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under the Lyca Productions banner, the film boasts some notable technical talent.

Music comes from N R Raghunanthan and Siddharth Vipin, while cinematography is handled by KA Sakthivel. Editing by VJ Sabu Joseph and art direction by A Jayakumar complete the technical setup.

Before hitting theatres, the movie even had a taste of the festival circuit. It premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa on November 23, 2025.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a sharp rebuttal to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, accusing him of making unfounded allegations against the government and delivered a lesson on Parliamentary traditions and history.

‘Speaker is the head of the House’: Prasad

Countering the criticism by Rahul Gandhi, Prasad invoked the legacy of BR Ambedkar to underline the importance of parliamentary decorum and the authority of the Speaker.

“Ambedkar said the Speaker is the head of the House; Parliament has always come out on top,” Prasad said, stressing that parliamentary traditions must be respected by all members.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, during the debate, said the issue was fundamentally about the democratic process and the functioning of Parliament.

“The discussion here is about the democratic process and the role of the Speaker,” the Congress leader said. “Multiple times my name has been raised and wild things have been said about me. This House is the expression of the people of India. It does not represent one party, but the whole country.”

Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “…This House doesn’t represent just one party, this House represents the whole country…”

(Source: Sansad TV) pic.twitter.com/nlr4jlZ0Uu

— IANS (@ians_india) March 11, 2026

He further alleged that Opposition members were repeatedly interrupted. “Every time we get up to speak, we are stopped from speaking. The last time I spoke, I raised a fundamental question about the compromises made by our PM,” Gandhi said.

‘PM can never be compromised’

Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks during the debate, Prasad asserted that the dignity of the Prime Minister must not be undermined.

“I would like to remind the Leader of the Opposition that the Prime Minister of India can never be compromised,” Prasad said in the House. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi can never be compromised,” he added, pushing back strongly against Gandhi’s criticism of the government.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier commented on compromises allegedly made by the Prime Minister, while also alleging that Opposition members are frequently prevented from speaking in the House.

The exchange reflected the increasingly sharp confrontations between the government and Opposition benches in the Lok Sabha, particularly during debates over parliamentary procedure and the functioning of the House.

When it comes to creating cinematic hysteria, Ranveer Singh seems to have cracked the code. The trailer of ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ is out, and fans are losing it over Ranveer’s return as the charismatic “King of Lyari.” But here’s the kicker. His first ‘Dhurandhar’ adventure is still making waves on OTT, months after its release.

Dhurandhar breaks Netflix records

The first ‘Dhurandhar’ film has quietly become a streaming sensation. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film has racked up a whopping 23 million views on Netflix by the end of its sixth weekend.

That’s not just big. It’s historic.

This makes ‘Dhurandhar’ the most-watched Indian post-theatrical release on the platform since 2024 by outshining other blockbusters.

The film remained in Netflix’s Global Top 10 for six consecutive weeks. This is a rare feat for Indian films.

Crushing the competition

To put Dhurandhar’s streaming performance in perspective, it’s left recent hits trailing behind. Dulquer Salmaan’s ‘Lucky Baskhar’ managed 19.4 million views, Vijay Sethupathi’s ‘Maharaja’ hit 18.6 million, while the heist comedy ‘Crew’ logged 17.9 million.

Even critically acclaimed ‘Laapataa Ladies’ only recorded 17.1 million.

‘Dhurandhar’ beat these numbers.

Still going strong on Netflix India

Even six weeks in, Dhurandhar clung to the No. 4 spot on Netflix India’s Top 10, during March 2-8, despite new releases and fan-favorites like ‘Raazi’, ‘Padmaavat’, and ‘Jolly LLB 3’ hitting the platform.

Industry insiders suggest this performance signals a shift in how big-budget Indian entertainers are consumed globally. While ‘Crew’ held a four-week run in the Global Top 10, ‘Dhurandhar’ extended its presence to six weeks.

Pre-release buzz for ‘Dhurandhar 2’

 

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A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

If the first movie’s streaming records weren’t enough, the excitement for the sequel is off the charts. Pinkvilla reports that paid preview tickets for ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ have already crossed 2 lakh.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ picks up where the 2025 blockbuster left off by bringing Ranveer Singh back as an Indian spy operating in Pakistan.

The film promises high-octane thrills with star-studded ensemble featuring R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, and more. The first installment grossed a staggering ₹1300 crore worldwide. Now expectations are sky-high for the sequel to match, if not surpass, that success.

Also Read: Finnish president Alexander Stubb says his son made him watch ‘Dhurandhar’ before India visit, now waiting for sequel

A Lok Sabha reply by the Union Rural Development Ministry has triggered a political row over the delay in MGNREGA funds to West Bengal, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT Cell chief Amit Malviya accusing the Trinamool Congress government of holding up the process.

The document, tabled in Parliament on March 10, states that the Centre is awaiting the labour budget proposal from the West Bengal government for the financial year 2025–26 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

The reply was given by Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan in response to an unstarred question raised by TMC MP Pratima Mondal.

According to the ministry, the release of MGNREGA funds to West Bengal had earlier been stopped on March 9, 2022, citing continued non-compliance with directives issued by the Central government under provisions of the MGNREGA Act.

However, following an order of the Calcutta High Court on June 18, 2025, the Centre issued directions on December 6, 2025, to resume implementation of the scheme in the state, subject to certain conditions.

The ministry said the West Bengal government has been asked to submit the labour budget proposal for 2025–26, which must be examined by the Empowered Committee under MGNREGS. The proposal, it said, is still awaited despite reminders.

BJP claims state delaying payments

Reacting to the document, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted on social media that the Lok Sabha reply exposes the reason for delays in wage payments under the scheme.

“BIG EXPOSE! TMC caught red-handed by their OWN MP!” Malviya wrote on X, sharing the document.

He claimed the Centre had been waiting for the state government to submit the labour budget proposal and questioned who was responsible for delays in payments to rural workers in West Bengal.

BIG EXPOSE! TMC caught red-handed by their OWN MP!

The Lok Sabha document says it all — the Central Government has been WAITING for West Bengal’s State Government to submit the Labour Budget proposal for MGNREGA, but it hasn’t been done DESPITE REMINDERS!

So who is really… pic.twitter.com/nercArKSFn

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 11, 2026

The parliamentary reply also noted that the pending liability under MGNREGS for West Bengal stood at Rs 3,082.52 crore as of March 8, 2022, subject to verification by the Centre.

The ministry further stated that the scheme is demand-driven, and the release of funds to states and Union Territories is a continuous process.

Bollywood and pop music fans are buzzing after singer Sona Mohapatra openly slammed rapper Badshah over his latest track, ‘Tateeree’. Sona didn’t hold back on Instagram, calling out the rapper for what she sees as the same tired, misogynistic tropes in pop music.

Sona’s post was sharp and unfiltered. She wrote that the song followed a pattern she’s seen “not the first time,” where a male performer flexes his masculinity, objectifies women, and casts himself as an irresistible hero while women exist merely as props.

 

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A post shared by (@sonamohapatra)

She mocked the lyrical swagger in tracks like this, describing it as “’tu mujhpe marti hai, mujhpe jaan chidakti hai’ type of flights of rubbish swag.” According to Sona, this represents “the laziest trope in pop culture,” not genuine creativity.

She also hit back at the cultural excuse some artists use. “And just calling yourself a ‘son of Haryana’ with a sad face doesn’t cut it,” she wrote, pointing out the serious gender issues in Haryana, including poor gender ratios, violence against women, and honour killings.

“Artists shape imagination,” she added. “You can challenge misogyny or profit from it. BADSHAH & this lot, do better. & those of you fashion victim wannabes paying for this shit… grow a brain or a soul?”

Her post concluded with a pointed jab at the video’s use of young girls: “& now young girls in uniforms as props … Stop with this brain & soul rot. #India deserves better.”

Controversy over the music video

The backlash against ‘Tateeree’ escalated when the Haryana State Women’s Commission issued a notice to Badshah, asking him to appear on March 13 to record his statement.

This came after complaints from Savita Arya, president of Nari Tu Narayani Sanstha, Panipat, and Shiv Kumar, head of Shiv Aarti Foundation.

The complaint raised concerns about the song’s lyrics, specifically the line “Aaya Badshah doli chaddhane, in sabki ghodi banane,” calling it filthy. The video also got criticism for showing minor girls in school uniforms boarding a Haryana Roadways bus while throwing their school bags.

Badshah finally responded on March 7, saying he is a proud Haryanvi and had no intention of portraying women or children negatively.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he had been repeatedly prevented from speaking in the House, sparking sharp exchanges with BJP members during a heated debate on the no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla.

Intervening during BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad’s remarks, Gandhi said his attempts to raise key issues in Parliament had been blocked several times.

“The discussion here is about the democratic process and the role of the Speaker. Multiple times my name has been raised and wild things have been said about me,” Gandhi said in the House.

He added that Parliament represents the voice of the people of India and not just one political party.

“This House is the expression of the people of India. It does not represent one party, but the whole country. Every time we get up to speak, we are stopped from speaking,” he said.

Gandhi said the last time he spoke in the Lok Sabha, he had raised what he called a “fundamental question” about alleged compromises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Heated exchange in the House

As the debate continued, Gandhi again said he had been interrupted in the past when raising certain issues in the House.

“I was stopped multiple times. Last time I raised the issue of the PM being compromised. I raised the issue of Mr Naravane. I raised the issue of Epstein. I was silenced. Our PM has been compromised, and everyone knows,” he said.

Responding to the remarks, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad rejected the allegation.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could “never be compromised” and questioned whether such claims could be raised during a point of order.

Prasad also criticised the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla and asked why the issue had been raised.

“I do not understand this motion. The book which never got published was circulated. How can anyone authenticate it?” he said, referring to claims linked to former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir.

The BJP leader also urged the Opposition not to turn parliamentary proceedings into a platform for what he called the “ego of a leader”.

The no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla was moved by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and supported by more than 50 MPs. According to parliamentary records, 118 Opposition members have signed the resolution, accusing the Speaker of “partisan behaviour”.

The motion follows earlier tensions in the House. On February 2, during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, Gandhi had attempted to cite excerpts from an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General Naravane. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had objected, saying the book had not been authenticated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kochi on Wednesday to launch a series of major development projects and kick-off the NDA’s election campaign in Kerala.

PM Modi landed at Cochin International Airport around 11.35 a.m.

He has a schedule that includes the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores and a political rally of the National Democratic Alliance ahead of the Assembly elections.

He will also conduct a road show at Kaloor. Around 3 p.m., PM Modi will leave for Tamil Nadu.

However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other senior members of the state government skipped the official function following a controversy over the “exclusion” of State Public Works Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas from the inauguration ceremony.

Riyas, who handles the portfolio responsible for roads and highways in the state, was reportedly not invited to the event.

The projects include the six lane Thalappady–Chengala stretch of National Highway 66 and the six lane Vengalam–Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass, both part of the ongoing expansion of the national highway network in Kerala.

The omission triggered sharp criticism from the ruling Left Democratic Front, which termed it a breach of established convention.

Traditionally, the state minister in charge of the concerned department is invited to such programmes.

State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said the development was unprecedented.

“It is a convention that the state minister handling the portfolio be invited. Surprisingly, the state BJP president has been invited. If that is the case, then leaders of other political parties should also have been invited,” he said.

Sivankutty added that such an exclusion was unheard of and alleged that the BJP was attempting to take sole credit for projects executed with the cooperation of the state government.

“This appears to be an attempt by the BJP to take credit for the projects. It is a challenge to the people of Kerala,” he said.

Hollywood glitz and glitter can be deceiving. Just ask Daniel Radcliffe. The actor who is forever etched in pop culture as the boy wizard Harry Potter, recently opened up about the hidden struggles of child actors. And let’s just say, it’s not all broomsticks and butterbeer.

On Bustle’s “One Nightstand With Daniel Radcliffe”, the actor got candid about what life is really like for young stars growing up in spotlight. While fans often imagine child actors living a magical dream, Radcliffe pulled back the curtain, revealing a far more complicated picture.

“The illusion that child stars are living a perfect dream can be crushing behind the scenes,” Radcliffe told TMZ. He didn’t shy away from the darker side, citing a tragic story of a young actor who later took their own life.

For Radcliffe, therapy shouldn’t be optional. It should be mandatory. He stressed that mental health support needs to be built into the system for child actors, not left as an afterthought. “This is exactly why therapy should be built into the system,” he said.

Looking back at Harry Potter days

Radcliffe also reflected on his own childhood in the Harry Potter universe. Filming began in the early 2000s in the UK, a time when mental health conversations were almost taboo. Despite this, Radcliffe considers himself fortunate.

Surrounded by supportive adults and a nurturing environment on set, he managed to navigate the challenges better than many others in the industry.

“I was lucky,” he admitted, recognising that not every child star has the same safety net.

From Hogwarts to global fame

Of course, Radcliffe’s rise to fame is legendary. He became household name playing Harry Potter alongside co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in the films based on JK Rowling’s beloved books.

The franchise, released from 2001 to 2011, followed the young wizard and his friends as they battled dark magic and learned the ropes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The films not only captivated millions worldwide but also made Radcliffe one of the most recognised actors of his generation.

A controversial art installation with a satirical depiction of the United States President Donald Trump and the deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as ‘Titanic’ lovers in a pose inspired by the iconic scene from the film appeared on the National Mall in Washington DC on Tuesday. Created by the anonymous artist collective Secret Handshake, the nearly 12-foot-tall statue drew attention for its provocative portrayal of the two figures.

Titled “The King of the World,” the installation is the latest in a series of political artworks by the same anonymous group targeting the US President.

Titanic-inspired statue faces Washington Monument

Painted entirely in gold, the sculpture shows Trump standing behind Epstein and embracing him on a replica of the bow of the ill-fated Titanic ship, mirroring the famous pose performed by the movie’s characters Jack and Rose.

The figures are oriented toward the Washington Monument, making the installation highly visible to visitors walking along the Mall. It is located on Third Street NW between Jefferson and Madison drives.

At the base of the structure are plaques containing satirical text that references the fictional romance in the film and draws parallels to the relationship between Trump and Epstein. The inscriptions mention luxury travel, lavish parties, and “secret nude sketches.”

The plaques read: “The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honours the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches.”

Banners placed between statue and Capitol

The installation also includes a row of ten banners positioned between the statue and the United States Capitol.

Each banner features a photograph of Trump and Epstein together and carries the slogan “Make America Safe Again.” The design also incorporates the United States Department of Justice emblem, though the word “Justice” has been visibly blacked out.

3rd artwork targeting Trump and Epstein

This is the third public installation by the group portraying the two figures together on the National Mall.

• January: The artists placed a large replica of a birthday message allegedly signed by Trump that appeared in a 2003 compilation of greetings for Epstein. Trump has denied writing the note and has said the signature does not belong to him.
• September: The collective installed a spray-painted bronze statue titled “Best Friends Forever,” depicting Trump and Epstein holding hands with one leg lifted behind them in a playful pose.

 Identities of artists remain unknown

The individuals behind the project continue to conceal their identities, operating under the name Secret Handshake. According to reports, the group uses a go-between to secure permits from the National Park Service for displaying temporary art installations on the National Mall.

Permit documents usually include both the start and end dates of an installation. However, a copy of the permit associated with this latest artwork reportedly has the ending date redacted, leaving it unclear how long the piece will remain on display.

The war with Iran is already costing the United States heavily. In just the first two days of strikes, American forces used about $5.6 billion worth of munitions, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The figure was shared with members of the US Congress, the newspaper said. It reflects the value of missiles and other weapons fired in the opening phase of the campaign.

The amount covers only the cost of munitions. It does not include the wider expenses of the operation. Those include aircraft missions, naval deployments, and troop support in the region.

Even as the price of the war rises, US President Donald Trump has suggested the conflict may end soon.

But officials quoted by The Washington Post say the administration is preparing to ask Congress for more money. A supplemental defence funding request could be sent to lawmakers as early as this week. The amount could run into tens of billions of dollars.

The proposal may face resistance in Congress. Many Democrats have already tried to restrict the administration from expanding military action against Iran.

Also Read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE updates

Worries about weapons supplies

The report said US forces have launched thousands of strikes across Iran since the operation began.

The speed of the campaign has raised concern among some lawmakers. They worry that the military may burn through stocks of advanced weapons too quickly.

To keep the operation going, the Pentagon has started moving resources. Parts of a THAAD missile defence system have been shifted from South Korea to the Middle East, the report said.

Stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles have also been used to defend against Iranian drones and ballistic missiles.

Defence analysts say such steps carry risks. Mark Cancian, who studies US weapons inventories, warned that using these systems in large numbers could weaken US readiness in other regions.

“The more THAADs and Patriots you shoot, the more risk you assume in the Indo-Pacific and in Ukraine,” he told The Washington Post.

India’s youth boxing team delivered a strong performance on the third day of the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026, registering five victories across the morning and evening sessions of the competition on Tuesday.

In the morning session, Chandrika Pujari (50kg) produced a dominant display to secure a unanimous 5-0 victory over her opponent from Venezuela. Joyshree Devi (54kg) also continued her impressive run in the tournament, clinching a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) victory in the third round against Kazakhstan after controlling the bout with consistent attacks.

India also enjoyed success in the men’s division during the morning session as L. Ambekar (50kg) advanced with a convincing 5-0 unanimous decision win over Ecuador. His performance ensured India maintained a positive start to the day while continuing the team’s strong momentum in the tournament.

The Indian contingent added two more victories during the evening session to cap off a productive day. Gunjan (48kg) edged past her opponent from Italy in a closely fought contest, securing a narrow 3-2 win after an intense bout. Prachi (60kg) then delivered a commanding performance, defeating her Ecuadorian opponent via RSC in the opening round of her bout to seal India’s fifth victory of the day.

The World Boxing Futures Cup is being held in Bangkok from March 8 to 15 and features several promising young boxers from across the globe competing in Youth Olympic weight categories. The tournament provides an important international platform for emerging boxers to test themselves against global competition while gaining valuable experience at the youth level.

India entered the tournament with strong momentum following an impressive performance at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain last year, where the country secured seven medals, including four gold, two silver and one bronze, marking India’s best-ever showing in youth boxing at the continental level.

With five wins on the third day, the Indian contingent will aim to maintain its strong form and continue its progress as the tournament moves into the next stages.

Two-time Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan has praised the Khelo India Winter Games while also urging the Union sports ministry to develop world-class infrastructure on the slopes of Gulmarg to help Indian athletes prepare for international winter sports competitions.

The Alpine skier from Jammu & Kashmir emphasised that India requires at least one fully developed facility at Gulmarg capable of hosting training and competitions for a full season of around five months, extending until the end of April. According to him, such infrastructure would play a key role in preparing Indian skiers for global events.

Arif also praised the Khelo India Winter Games initiative, stating that the six editions held so far have already laid a strong foundation for the development of winter sports in the country.

Lauding the programme, Arif said: “Six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have provided an incredible platform to athletes, but now we have to look at ways of winning medals at major global competitions.”

The 36-year-old recently made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where he competed in the men’s slalom race and finished 39th. His performance improved India’s previous best result in the event by 10 places. The earlier record had been set by Kishore Ratna Rai at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Reflecting on his performance, Arif said his finish in the giant slalom had helped place India firmly on the global skiing map and stressed the need for further investment in winter sports to achieve success at the continental level.

Since 2020, Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir has hosted all six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, while Leh in Ladakh has been hosting the ice events since 2024.

Arif also welcomed the announcement by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya that the 2027 edition of the Khelo India Winter Games will be expanded into a 15-day event to help transform Gulmarg into a global winter sports destination.

“We have the athletes, and there are ones who can be better than me. But we are missing infrastructure, coaches and funding. Given the government’s intention to develop winter sports, I can see better things in the future. We need at least one fully-developed infrastructure in Gulmarg that can function for a good five months,” said Arif

He also stressed the need for a national federation dedicated to addressing the requirements of winter sports athletes.

“The government is doing a lot through its policies to streamline governance in sports bodies. Winter sports like skiing need immediate government intervention and full support,” he said.

Arif is currently training three young skiers, two from Jammu & Kashmir and one from Himachal Pradesh and believes there is significant untapped talent across India’s hill states and Union Territories.

“There are a lot of talented athletes in the hilly states and Union Territories. Some skiers are also emerging from South India, but the availability of year-round facilities is a major handicap. At least, skating has all-weather facilities in Dehradun and Leh, and Gulmarg can be a priority now,” Arif concluded.

Mitchell Santner will lead an expanded New Zealand men’s cricket team squad in the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.

New Zealand finished second in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after losing India to 96 runs.

The series will kick off at Bay Oval on Sunday. It will feature double-header match days alongside the New Zealand women’s national team and the South Africa women’s T20I series.

Several Blackcaps players returned home after losing the World Cup final to India in Ahmedabad. Selectors have decided to effectively name two squads to manage player workloads.

Santner will be joined by Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson for the first three matches. Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears, and Ish Sodhi are available for the entire series after lighter workloads during the global tournament.

The double-header matches will follow quickly after the opener. The schedule includes games at Seddon Park on Tuesday and Eden Park on Friday, March 20, before the last two matches in Wellington and Christchurch.

New Zealand also recognized domestic performers by including top-order batters Katene Clarke and Nick Kelly, along with spinner Jayden Lennox, who are in line to make their T20I debuts during the series. Clarke received his first call-up after an impressive Super Smash season where he led the tournament’s run charts with 431 runs, including an unbeaten century that helped Northern Brave win the domestic T20 title.

“Katene is someone we’ve been watching for a while now, so it was great to see him excel in the Super Smash and earn his first BLACKCAPS selection,” said selector Gavin Larsen. “He’s an explosive player with plenty of power and a variety of shots. He has shown he can be destructive in the power play, but he can also bat deep in an innings.”

Lennox earned his first T20 call-up after a strong performance during his ODI debut series against India in January. He recorded figures of 3-84 across 20 overs against a competitive batting line-up. Kelly has been a reliable performer for the Wellington Firebirds and gets his first T20 opportunity after making his ODI debut against Pakistan last year.

The extended squad also includes Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, and Tim Robinson for the entire five-match series. Clarkson makes his return to the side for the first time since playing in eight T20Is in 2024.

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham also returns to the T20 setup after a successful Super Smash season with Canterbury Kings. He will take over the captaincy from Santner for the final two matches.

“Tom’s selection comes after a strong Super Smash season at the top of the order for the Kings,” Larsen said. “He will bring his quality and experience, but equally important is his leadership, which we will also call on for the upcoming white-ball tour to Bangladesh in April.”

With Conway set to leave after three matches, wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver will join the squad for the second half of the series. This marks his first appearance in the Blackcaps setup since 2023.

Several regulars, including Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Seifert will miss the series to rest after the World Cup. Fast bowler Matt Henry has been given time off to spend with his newborn child.

New Zealand T20I squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Katene Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.

Series schedule (T20I double-headers)

1st T20I – Bay Oval, Tauranga, March 15

2nd T20I – Seddon Park, Hamilton, March 17

3rd T20I – Eden Park, Auckland, March 20

4th T20I – Hnry Stadium, Wellington, March 22

5th T20I – Hagley Oval, Christchurch, March 25