Hollywood had a real-life thriller on Sunday when Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home came under fire, literally. A 35-year-old Florida woman, Ivana Lisette Ortiz, allegedly pulled up in a white Tesla and opened fire on the superstar’s mansion, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood. Luckily, Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their three kids (RZA, Riot, and Rocki) were unharmed.

Attempted murder and assault charges filed

On Tuesday, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Ortiz has been charged with attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling.

If convicted, she could face life in prison. Bail has been set at just under $1.9 million.

What was the shocking Sunday incident

According to law enforcement sources, the shooting happened around 1:15 p.m. PT on March 8. Ortiz allegedly fired multiple shots at Rihanna’s property from her Tesla parked across the gate.

One bullet even pierced a wall, while others left holes in the gate and an RV outside. Remarkably, no one was injured during the attack.

Police quickly sprang into action. The LAPD tracked Ortiz’s Tesla fleeing south on Coldwater Canyon Drive. Within 30 minutes, officers caught up with her at a Sherman Oaks shopping center.

Inside her vehicle, authorities found an assault rifle and seven bullet casings. Ortiz was immediately booked, and bail was initially reported at over $10 million.

Rihanna’s family is safe

The pop queen and her family live quietly in Beverly Hills, and Sunday’s shocking incident could have turned tragic. Thankfully, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and their three children were safe inside the house when the shooting occurred.

The case is now in the hands of the courts, with Ortiz facing serious prison time if found guilty.

Bollywood buzz is at it again! This time, it’s about Govinda and Sunita Ahuja, the famous couple whose marriage has been under the media microscope. While gossip columns have been running wild with speculation, their daughter Tina Ahuja has finally given fans a peek behind the curtain. Appearing on her mother’s Women’s Day special vlog, Tina opened up about the family’s roller-coaster years, and it wasn’t all glitz and glamour.

“I won’t lie, the last two years have not been easy. There’s been turbulence,” Tina admitted.

Two years of turbulence

During the chat, Tina reflected on the challenges the family has gone through. While she carefully avoided directly addressing divorce rumours, it was clear that the past couple of years had taken a toll on everyone.

Tina also touched upon a broader theme, highlighting the pressures women often face in prioritising others over themselves. “Us women do a lot for others, and we don’t think about ourselves,” she said. The episode, she explained, was meant to celebrate Sunita Ahuja’s strength and sacrifices.

To show her appreciation, Tina surprised Sunita with heartfelt gifts on the vlog.

Sunita Ahuja: “Now, I’m living for myself”

Sunita responded warmly to Tina’s gesture. She revealed that she is now choosing to focus more on herself after years of putting family first.

“Everything must be done within limits. I have done all my duties, but now I’ve started living for myself,” Sunita said. Her words hint at a new chapter of self-prioritisation. Adding a touch of flair, she announced she wants to “live life king-size.”

She also reflected on her children, Tina and son Yash, noting that they’ve grown into independent individuals capable of carving their own paths.

Govinda speaks on allegations

Meanwhile, Govinda has addressed the swirling allegations around his personal life. In a recent interview with ANI, he spoke about claims linking him to another woman, Komal. The actor firmly denied any wrongdoing and expressed unease about his private life being dissected in public.

“The name that she is taking (Komal), I thank her. She is not saying a word against anyone,” Govinda said. He added that similar accusations have surfaced in the past and that such controversies are upsetting, especially since they might affect his professional standing in Bollywood.

Divya Agarwal and Prince Narula: Reality TV drama does not always stay inside the show. Sometimes it spills into real life, and this time, it has turned disturbing.

Actor and reality TV star Divya Agarwal has revealed that she is receiving rape threats online from fans of fellow reality star Prince Narula after their clash on the reality show ‘The 50’. The situation became serious enough for Agarwal to speak out publicly while she was on a holiday in the Maldives.

Also Read: Vijay under fire: Divorce, alleged extramarital affair, dismissive remarks against wife spark backlash within his own party

Through a series of Instagram stories, the actor shared her frustration, fear, anger about the kind of messages she claims are flooding her inbox.

A vacation interrupted by online abuse

Divya Agarwal was supposed to be enjoying a relaxing trip in the Maldives. Instead, she found herself addressing a disturbing wave of online harassment.

On Instagram, Agarwal said that being trolled or criticised comes with the territory of being a public figure. However, she said the kind of messages she has recently received are far beyond ordinary hate.

She wrote that she has been getting intense backlash from fans of Prince Narula, whom she referred to as her “ex-brother.”

According to her, the problem is not criticism or negative comments. What shocked her were the rape threats.

“Recently I have been receiving a lot of hate from my ex-brother’s fans,” she wrote. “Hate ki problem nahi hai, but rape threats?”

Disturbing messages shared online

To show the seriousness of the situation, Agarwal posted screenshots of some messages she claims were sent to her.

One of the messages she shared included extremely violent threats. The text reportedly read that the sender knew where she lived and threatened to come with a group of men, assault her, and record a video.

The message also ended by telling her she “deserved” it.

Indirect dig at Prince Narula

While Agarwal did not directly accuse Prince Narula of sending the messages, she suggested that his reactions to episodes of ‘The 50’ might be encouraging his fan base to attack her online.

She called the behaviour “self-obsessed” and criticised people who help others but later use it to take credit publicly. In her post, she referred to the phrase “Maine paala hai” (I took care of you), hinting at past dynamics between them.

She also referenced a comment Narula made about a recent episode of the show.

According to her, he had said, “Aaj ka episode bahut zyada funny tha,” which translates to “Today’s episode was very funny.”

Agarwal implied that such remarks could be provoking fans and fuelling hostility against her.

What Prince Narula said about her game

The tension between the two reality stars grew after Narula posted a video reviewing Agarwal’s performance on ‘The 50’.

In the clip, Narula claimed that Agarwal completed only one task during her time on the show. He also suggested that she switched alliances after returning to the game.

He added another sharp remark: “Yahan bhi achha nahi khel paayin aap,” which means “You couldn’t play well here either.”

The comments quickly became part of the ongoing drama between the two contestants.

India has arranged fresh supply routes for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as tensions in West Asia raise fears of disruption in global energy shipments.

Officials said consignments from alternative sources have already been lined up and are expected to reach India soon.

The move comes amid concerns that the conflict in West Asia could disturb fuel supply chains. India depends heavily on the region for oil and gas imports, making supply diversification important during such crises.

Domestic LPG output increased

Alongside securing imports, Indian refiners have stepped up domestic production.

Cooking gas output has gone up by about 10 per cent after the government asked oil companies to maximise LPG production.

Reliance Industries Ltd said its Jamnagar refining complex will push LPG output further. The Jamnagar facility is the world’s largest integrated refining hub.

“At a time when global energy markets are experiencing volatility, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuels for Indian households remains a national priority,” the company said.

Reliance added that teams at Jamnagar are working continuously to optimise refinery operations and increase LPG production so supplies to the domestic market remain steady.

“Reliance Industries is taking proactive steps and in line with the Government guidelines, to maximise LPG production from our refining and petrochemicals complexes at Jamnagar — the world’s largest integrated refining hub. Our teams are working around the clock to optimise refinery operations and enhance LPG output so that supplies to the domestic market remain stable and reliable,” said the company.

Gas from the KG-D6 basin will also be diverted to priority sectors in line with government guidelines.

Govt says supplies remain stable

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India is securing energy supplies by widening its import basket beyond West Asia.

He said the country continues to receive fuel shipments through multiple supply routes despite rising geopolitical tensions.

The government has taken steps to ensure households and essential sectors do not face shortages, he added.

According to Puri, domestic consumers continue to receive full supplies of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG).

Industries are currently getting around 70–80 per cent of their gas requirement, even as global energy markets face uncertainty.

The minister said the government remains committed to maintaining uninterrupted and affordable energy supplies for Indian households.

The weather across the National Capital Region (NCR) has become increasingly distressing for residents, with an unusual combination of morning fog, rising daytime temperatures, and hazardous pollution levels worsening daily life. While thick fog in the early hours disrupted visibility and travel, the sudden surge in temperatures later in the day made conditions feel more like April than early March.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region is expected to witness clear skies and dry weather over the next few days. The maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature stood at 18 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels also fluctuated sharply, dropping from 88 per cent in the morning to nearly 45 per cent later in the day.

The IMD has predicted that similar weather conditions will prevail on March 12 and 13, with maximum temperatures likely to hover around 35 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures remaining close to 18 degrees Celsius. The early arrival of heat has added to the discomfort of residents who are already battling deteriorating air quality.

Amid the rising temperatures and foggy mornings, pollution levels across the NCR have reached alarming levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed the red mark in several areas, entering the “very poor” and “severe” categories and raising serious health concerns. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such toxic air can lead to respiratory issues and other long-term health complications.

Greater Noida has emerged as the worst-affected area. Knowledge Park-V recorded a shocking AQI of 429, placing it firmly in the “severe” category. Knowledge Park-III also reported extremely poor air quality with an AQI of 301.

In neighbouring Noida, the pollution situation remains equally worrying. Sector 116 recorded the highest AQI of 362, followed by Sector 125 with 335, Sector 1 with 304, and Sector 62 with 262. Ghaziabad, too, witnessed dangerous pollution levels, with Loni emerging as the most polluted area with an AQI of 358. Sanjay Nagar recorded an AQI of 334, Vasundhara 317, and Indirapuram 326.

In the national Capital, Chandni Chowk was recorded as the most polluted location with an AQI of 390. Anand Vihar followed closely with 388, while Bawana and Alipur both recorded AQIs of 312. Burari Crossing also reported a concerning level of 300. In comparison, Aya Nagar and the Cantonment area showed relatively better air quality, recording AQIs of 206 and 214 respectively.

Adding to the confusion, Delhi-NCR witnessed an unexpected layer of haze and fog on Tuesday morning despite rising temperatures. Some reports initially linked the phenomenon to fires triggered by attacks on Iran’s oil infrastructure, suggesting possible environmental effects. However, weather experts dismissed the speculation, stating that the haze was more likely caused by dust carried by winds from the Balochistan region and the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.

Meteorologists noted that similar fog and haze events have been recorded in March under certain atmospheric conditions in the past. Meanwhile, data from the IMD revealed that on March 8, Delhi’s temperature crossed 35 degrees Celsius — the earliest instance in at least 15 years — highlighting the unusually hot start to March this year.

With heat intensifying, fog reducing visibility, and pollution levels remaining dangerously high, residents across Delhi-NCR continue to struggle with worsening environmental conditions. Experts have urged authorities and citizens alike to take precautionary measures as the region navigates this challenging weather pattern.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its possible implications on air travel between India and countries in the region, the ministry said.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is overseeing the situation and maintaining direct engagement with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a quick and coordinated response, the ministry said on Tuesday.
According to MoCA, airlines are making necessary operational arrangements in response to the evolving situation, with passenger safety and continuity of services remaining the primary considerations.

As per operational data for March 9, Indian carriers successfully operated 45 inbound flights from West Asia, bringing 7,047 passengers into the country.
In light of the evolving regional situation, airlines have requested greater operational flexibility to ensure the safety of passengers and to provide necessary evacuation support wherever required.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated with relevant authorities to facilitate additional arrival and departure slots and to permit the use of Muscat International Airport as an enroute alternate airport for flights to and from several destinations.

These include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah and Medina.

Operational plans of airlines indicate that Air India and Air India Express will operate flights to Riyadh starting March 12th. Indigo will also start its Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services from the same date.

MoCA further stated that SpiceJet has been facilitated in obtaining approvals for alternate airports to ensure continued operational safety and flexibility for flights operating in the region.

Meanwhile, Akasa Air has been advised to align the commencement of its planned Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services with the prevailing operational conditions. The airline is also scheduled to begin operations on the route from March 12.
MOCA mentioned that the Ministry is maintaining regular coordination with airlines and other concerned stakeholders to ensure that passenger movement continues in an orderly manner.

Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.
Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and travel arrangements.
The Ministry will continue to review the situation and provide further information as necessary.

Lok Sabha MP John Brittas has criticised the foreign policy of the Union government, alleging that they have effectively become a “cheerleader” for Israel and the USA while the country faces a commercial LPG cylinder supply disruption.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) MP asserted that despite opposition parties having forewarned the government about the looming commercial LPG cylinder shortage, the administration maintained a concerning silence on the matter.

“We had foreseen this crisis, and we had told this government that they should intervene positively. We had already said that for this war, the Indians would have to pay an additional tax. But unfortunately, there was a criminal silence on the part of this government. Effectively, this government became a cheerleader for Israel and the US. It’s an unfortunate part,” Brittas told reporters.

He further accused the government of remaining silent on the actions taken by the US and Israel amidst rising tensions with Iran, claiming that India has effectively bartered away the immense goodwill it had previously cultivated on the global stage.
“On one count, the government was not prepared for this crisis, although the Prime Minister was in Israel just 48 hours before the strike started. The second thing is that India bartered the goodwill it had. It has kept mum, silent, effectively, implicitly supporting the unilateral action of Israel and the US. We feel that the government has been guilty of all these crises that have landed on the people of this country,” added Brittas.

Meanwhile, the commercial LPG shortage is currently affecting hotels and restaurants nationwide, with many establishments forced to suspend operations. In response to the crisis, the Union government has formed a three-member committee, comprising executive directors from state-run oil marketing companies, to address industry grievances and prioritise domestic LPG supply.

The Bangalore Hotels Association issued a formal notice stating, “The supply of gas cylinders for commercial use has been stopped from today. Essential services like senior citizens, students, and hospitals rely on it. Immediate action is expected from Union Ministers to resume commercial gas supply.”

Similar disruptions have been reported across major cities, including a temporary halt in commercial cylinder distribution in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Addressing the operational changes, National Vice President of the LPG Association RK Gupta confirmed that commercial cylinders have not been issued since yesterday, except for hospitals and educational institutions.

Furthermore, to curb hoarding and ensure equitable distribution, the government has mandated a new 25-day inter-booking period for domestic LPG refills.
“The next booking will be allowed after a 25-day inter-booking period to avoid hoarding, and there is no shortage as claimed by oil companies,” he said.
The Coimbatore District Hoteliers’ Association (CDHA) issued a formal warning on Tuesday, urgently calling upon the government to take immediate steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel to the hospitality sector.

Balachandar Raju, Secretary of the Coimbatore District Hoteliers’ Association, said restaurants in the city have been struggling to operate due to the limited availability of LPG cylinders over the past several days. He noted that the shortage is not confined to Tamil Nadu but is being experienced across the country.
“For the past 10-12 days, the whole nation has been facing LPG shortage issues, and our city is facing the same problem. We have no fuel to run the restaurant. The whole of India is troubled by this LPG shortage,” Raju said.

According to Raju, authorities have informed industry representatives that domestic supply and essential services have been given priority in the current situation.
“The government needs to intervene and ensure the supply of LPG for the basic needs of people. We have presented this issue to both the Tamil Nadu government and the central government. Our association has met with ministers to discuss the problem. They have stated that they won’t be able to supply commercial cylinders for commercial purposes and have prioritised domestic use, as well as for hospitals, educational sectors, and crematoriums,” he added.

Raju hopes for the situation to be rectified soon. He cautioned that the industry expects to grapple with this supply shortage for at least another 30 days.
“We hope the issue will be rectified soon. Even though the vessels start from the port now, it might take another 20 days to sail and reach our country. Then, there is a process of converting crude oil to LPG, which will take another week’s time. We expect to face this issue for another 30 days,” he said.

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran against placing mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. He asserted that the country would face severe military repercussions of a level never seen before if the mines were not removed.

In a strongly worded statement, Trump asked Iran to have the mines removed immediately from the Hormuz Strait, if it has put out any. He said, “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!”

The warning comes amid intensifying tensions across West Asia, with hostilities widening and threatening critical global energy routes.

US deploys advanced capabilities to counter mine threat

According to the US President, the same technology and missile capabilities previously used against drug trafficking operations has been adapted to track and destroy vessels attempting to plant mines in the Hormuz Strait. “They will be dealt with quickly and violently. BEWARE!” warned the US President.

In a separate post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that US forces had already struck several suspected vessels.

He said, “I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”

CENTCOM eliminates minelayers

The United States Central Command also released a video on X, stating that American forces were weakening Iran’s maritime capabilities.

U.S. forces are degrading the Iranian regime’s ability to project power at sea and harass international shipping. For years, Iranian forces have threatened freedom of navigation in waters essential to American, regional and global security and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/gIBN02mowh

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 10, 2026

The command said the operations aim to curb Tehran’s ability to threaten international shipping lanes and project power in the region. “For years, Iranian forces have threatened freedom of navigation in waters essential to American, regional, and global security and prosperity,” the statement said.

U.S. forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/371unKYiJs

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 10, 2026

Escalating regional conflict raises global concerns

The warning comes as tensions across West Asia continue to escalate, with the conflict expanding beyond Iran’s borders. Iranian retaliatory attacks using missiles and drones have reportedly targeted US military bases, diplomatic facilities, and critical infrastructure across Gulf countries.

These strikes have affected locations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

The escalating confrontation has raised alarm in global energy markets, particularly because nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making the narrow waterway one of the most critical chokepoints for international energy trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on March 13 and 14, where he will inaugurate several development projects and distribute land rights certificates to the tea garden community, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that PM Modi will dedicate projects worth Rs 10,000 in Guwahati. During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister will hold public meetings in Kokrajhar, Guwahati and Silchar.
CM Sarma said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the BJP’s Yuva Sankalp Samavesh in Guwahati on March 15.

The Chief Minister told reporters, “First, he (PM Modi) will arrive in Kokrajhar, and he will dedicate various projects to the nation from Kokrajhar. There are a few specific projects of Kokrajhar which will also be either inaugurated or the foundation stone will be laid by the Prime Minister. On March 13, he will come to Guwahati, and he will release one instalment of Kishan Sanman Nidhi from Guwahati itself.”

“The highlight of the visit will be the distribution of land pattas to the tea garden community. The tea garden community has been living in Assam for the last 200 years, but they have not got land rights till today. So the first land patta or land rights certificate will be given by the Prime Minister to a deserving tea garden worker. Followed by that, the tea garden land ownership distribution programme will be kicked off in the entire Assam,” he added.

CM Sarma added that PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati Express Highway on March 14.
“He will also dedicate the Kopili Hydro Power Project – a state government project of 150 MW, which we have completed, to the nation. There are projects worth Rs 10,000 crore which he will dedicate from Guwahati. On March 14 at 11 am, he will be in Silchar, and he will lay the foundation stone of Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati Express Highway, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 22,000 crore. There are some more projects which he will dedicate to the nation, and he will leave for Kolkata. There will be three meetings in three different parts of Assam,” the CM said.

On Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit, he said, “On March 15, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Assam. At around 10 am, he will inaugurate Pragjyotishpur Medical College, and from 11 am he will attend BJP’s Yuva Sankalp Samavesh in Guwahati.”
According to the Assam BJP, around one lakh Yuva karyakartas (youth workers) are expected to participate in the Yuva Sankalp Samavesh to be held at Veterinary College Field, Khanapara in Guwahati.

This comes as the BJP, under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, is looking to secure a third consecutive term in the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.

Israel’s military says many of the ballistic missiles fired by Iran during recent attacks were fitted with cluster bomb warheads.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said Iran launched about 300 ballistic missiles at Israel. Nearly half of them, according to the military, carried cluster-type payloads that release several smaller explosives over a large area.

Israeli officials said air defence systems intercepted most of the missiles fired on Tuesday. One missile with a heavy warhead landed in an open area outside Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem. Authorities said no one was injured in the incident.

Cluster munitions break into multiple smaller explosives after being fired. These sub-munitions spread across a wide radius and can damage large areas. Their use is banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, though Israel, Iran, and the United States have not joined the treaty.

Also Read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE updates

Conflict widens across West Asia

The missile attacks came after the United States and Israel carried out strikes inside Iran. Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drones aimed at targets across the region, including Israel.

Israeli health officials say the attacks from Iran have killed 12 people and left more than 2,000 injured so far.

At the same time, Israel said it carried out fresh airstrikes in Lebanon targeting facilities linked to the Al-Quard Al-Hassan Association, which it says helps finance Hezbollah activities.

The Israeli military also said Hassan Salameh, commander of Hezbollah’s Nassar unit, was killed in an Israeli Air Force strike in the Jwaya area.

Israel said it had also struck several locations in Iran, including targets in Tehran and Tabriz. The IDF said these included command centres linked to security units, missile launch operations, and Basij force compounds.

The conflict is now spreading across the region. Iranian strikes have also targeted US bases, embassies, and energy facilities in Gulf countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Tensions have also begun affecting global oil flows. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea route used for roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments, has seen growing disruption as the crisis deepens.

Concerns about Chinese nationals exploiting America’s birthright citizenship laws through a growing “birth tourism” industry surfaced during a US Senate hearing, with one witness warning lawmakers that thousands of children born in the United States are later raised in China.

The issue was raised during a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution examining whether children born in the United States to undocumented migrants or temporary visitors should automatically receive American citizenship.

Investigative journalist Peter Schweizer told lawmakers that organised companies arrange travel, medical care, and logistics for foreign nationals seeking to give birth in the United States so their children obtain American citizenship.

“What is birth tourism? Birth tourism is essentially an industry that provides concierge service at every step of the way for a foreign national… they will transport them to the United States, arrange medical care, arrange for citizenship for the child, and as soon as the child is old enough to travel, they will return back to China,” Schweizer said in testimony.

Schweizer told the panel that the scale of the practice could be significant, citing estimates suggesting tens of thousands of Chinese nationals may give birth in the United States each year.

“The Chinese government gave an estimate a few years ago… on average 50,000 Chinese citizens a year were giving birth in the United States or at US territories like Saipan,” he said.

He added that other estimates were higher.

“There was a research firm in China that estimated in 2018 alone, 180,000 managed to give birth in the United States,” Schweizer said.

Based on those estimates, he said the number of American citizens raised in China through birth tourism could be substantial.

“If you do the math… you are looking at roughly 1 million US citizens who are being raised in the People’s Republic of China today,” he said.

Schweizer also raised concerns that some clients of birth tourism companies include members of China’s political and military elite.

“These are not political dissidents. These are military officers, people from the Ministry of Propaganda people that are high ranking officials in the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.

Schweizer said the practice raises long-term national security questions because children born in the United States automatically receive citizenship and could later exercise rights such as voting or applying for government jobs.

The claims drew scepticism from some lawmakers during the hearing.

Senator Richard Durbin questioned the evidence presented and pressed for concrete data about prosecutions related to birth tourism.

“You’ve got some big claims, but when it comes to numbers, you ought to be able to tell us how many have been prosecuted,” Durbin said.

Legal experts also told the panel that birth tourism is already restricted under existing immigration regulations.

Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia, said US immigration rules already allow officials to deny entry to travellers seeking to enter the country on tourist visas solely to give birth.

“There’s a regulation on the books… which makes it illegal to enter the United States on a tourist visa for the purpose of giving birth,” Frost said.

She added that enforcing existing rules could address the issue without altering the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship.

The debate over birth tourism emerged as part of a broader political and legal fight over birthright citizenship in the United States.

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order seeking to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented migrants or temporary visitors, arguing that the Constitution does not require such a policy.

The issue is expected to reach the US Supreme Court soon, where justices will consider whether the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause guarantees citizenship to anyone born on American soil.

The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868 after the Civil War, states that “all persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” The provision was intended in part to overturn the Supreme Court’s 1857 Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans.

In 1898, the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark affirmed that children born in the United States to foreign parents are citizens, a precedent that has shaped American citizenship law for more than a century.

A new report by Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has warned that President Donald Trump’s policies have weakened the United States in its strategic rivalry with China, arguing that trade wars, cuts to foreign assistance, and strained alliances have created opportunities for Beijing to expand its global influence.

The 56-page report, titled “The Price of Retreat 2.0: Undermining America’s Economic Edge and Alliance Advantage,” was released by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democratic member of the committee, along with other Democratic lawmakers.

The report comes as Trump is expected to travel to Beijing later this month for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“This report makes clear that the consequences of the Trump Administration’s global retreat that we warned about last year are no longer theoretical—they are being felt by American families and businesses every day,” Shaheen said.

“The Administration’s trade wars, cuts to innovation, and weakening of our alliances are not strengthening America’s position against China; they are undermining it,” she added.

Shaheen said the policies were allowing Beijing to increase its influence globally at a time when Washington should be strengthening economic leadership and partnerships.

“As President Trump heads into his meetings with President Xi later this month, his own policies have profoundly diminished America’s competitive advantage against China,” she said. “The President will have a weak hand to play in Beijing, and it is the American people who will pay the price.”

According to the report, the administration’s fluctuating tariffs have imposed significant economic costs. It notes that layoffs at small businesses reached 120,000 workers in November 2025, the largest monthly total in five years, while the U.S. economy has lost a net 19,000 jobs since the introduction of the administration’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs.

The report also says tariffs have increased costs for American households and disrupted global markets while failing to significantly alter China’s behaviour.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about technology policy. The report warns that allowing the sale of advanced semiconductors to China could undermine the United States’ long-term economic and technological advantage.

The report argues that immigration and visa restrictions have also worsened worker shortages in key sectors. Policies affecting international students and skilled workers have driven talent away from the United States, while China has expanded visa programmes and professional opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The report also highlights what it calls a weakening of US diplomatic capacity. More than half of American embassies overseas currently lack a Senate-confirmed ambassador, while the administration rescinded more than $14 billion in foreign assistance in 2025.china_report_20

China, by contrast, has expanded its diplomatic presence and increased investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, the report says.

It also warns that tensions with allies have weakened Washington’s ability to coordinate responses to Beijing. The report cites disputes with partners including Denmark and Japan, and concerns about US commitments related to Taiwan.

Indian carriers are set to operate more flights from the war-affected Gulf region on Wednesday, as the government is keeping a close watch on the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and its possible implications for air travel between India and the region.

Operational plans of airlines indicate that Air India and Air India Express will operate flights to Riyadh starting March 12, while Indigo will commence Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai services from the same date.

“SpiceJet has been facilitated to obtain alternate airport approvals to ensure continued operational safety and flexibility in the region. Akasa Air has been advised to align its planned commencement of Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai services with prevailing operational conditions which is scheduled to begin operations from 12th March 2026,” Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement.

Air India and Air India Express will together operate a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on March 11.

The two carriers continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on March 11, operate a total of 8 flights to and from Jeddah, and Air India Express operating 14 scheduled flights to and from Muscat, according to the airline.

Operational data for March 9 indicates that 45 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from West Asia, carrying 7,407 passengers.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is continuously overseeing the situation and maintaining direct engagement with all relevant stakeholders to ensure quick and coordinated responses.

“Airlines are making appropriate operational arrangements in response to the evolving situation, with passenger safety and continuity of services remaining the primary considerations,” said the ministry.

The DGCA has coordinated with relevant authorities to facilitate additional arrival and departure slots and to permit the use of Muscat International Airport as an enroute alternate airport for flights to/from destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras-al-Khaimah, Al-Alan, Fujairah, Sharjah, Jeddah and Medinah.

The ministry said it is maintaining regular coordination with airlines and other concerned stakeholders to ensure that passenger movement continues in an orderly manner.

Airfares are also being closely monitored to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no undue surge during this period.

Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight timings and travel arrangements. The Ministry will continue to review the situation and provide further information as necessary.

India has extended humanitarian assistance to Madagascar following widespread devastation caused by tropical cyclones Fytia and Gezani earlier this year, reaffirming its support for the island nation during the ongoing relief efforts.

An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying relief supplies landed in Antananarivo with a total of 30 tonnes of assistance, including 12 tonnes of medical aid and 18 tonnes of disaster relief material. The consignment was dispatched to help authorities and humanitarian agencies support communities affected by the cyclones.
The aid package includes essential items such as life-saving medicines, surgical supplies, tents, water storage tanks, dignity kits and ready-to-eat meals. These supplies are aimed at addressing immediate humanitarian needs and providing support to people impacted by the disaster.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the latest assistance reflects India’s continued engagement with Madagascar and its willingness to support affected populations during times of crisis.

“India stands in solidarity with the people of Madagascar. Following the widespread devastation caused by Tropical Cyclones Fytia and Gezani earlier this year, India dispatched humanitarian assistance to support ongoing relief efforts,” the statement said.
“An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying 12 tonnes of medical aid and 18 tonnes of disaster relief material landed in Antananarivo,” it added.
“The consignment includes life-saving medicines, surgical supplies, tents, water storage tanks, dignity kits, and ready-to-eat meals providing critical support to affected communities,” the statement further said.

The delivery of relief materials comes after Madagascar faced extensive damage due to the tropical cyclones that struck the country earlier this year, destroying homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods in several regions. Natural disasters frequently affect the island nation in the Indian Ocean, making international assistance crucial during emergency response operations.

India’s humanitarian outreach forms part of its broader commitment to assisting partner countries during natural disasters and crises. Through such relief missions, India has regularly provided aid to nations affected by cyclones, earthquakes, floods and other emergencies under its policy of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

West Bengal Police on Tuesday refuted allegations made by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari regarding handling of postal ballots by reserve officers of the state police for upcoming Assembly polls.

In a post on X, West Bengal Police said: “The allegation raised is strongly refuted. There is no scope for the collection of Postal Ballots (PB) from police personnel by Reserve Officers. PBs are issued only by the Presiding Officer at the Postal Voting Centre (PVC). After casting their vote, the PB is sealed by the voter in the prescribed envelope and dropped in the designated drop box at the PVC. The entire process is video-graphed.”

The response from the state police comes after Suvendu targeted the state government for violating norms after a district administration assigned handling of postal ballots to the West Bengal Police Welfare Organisation.

Rejecting his claims, the Bengal Police wrote: “The procedure followed is as below: Police personnel deployed outside their constituency on election duty exercise their franchise through the Postal Ballot facility for Absentee Voters in Essential Services (AVES) by applying through Form 12D. The Police Nodal Officer forwards the applications to the concerned Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer of the constituency where the personnel are registered voters for verification.”

The post continued, “Approved voters receive SMS intimation regarding the venue, date and time of voting at the PVC. Details of the arrangements are also published on the official website of the District Election Officer.”

According to the state police, PVCs are set up at the Returning Officer headquarters where police personnel report.

After due identification in the presence of polling agents of political parties, eligible personnel cast their votes through postal ballot at the PVC, ensuring participation in the democratic process in a transparent manner. There is no possibility of Postal Ballots being taken out of the PVC or being collected by Reserve Officers of Police,” said the post.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had moved out of her sit-in protest site in Esplanade in the evening to meet the outgoing Governor of West Bengal CV Ananda Bose.

She had ‘temporarity’ moved out after Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary requested her to look after her health and give up the protest.

Mamata headed to a Alipore address to meet the Governor. She later post in her X handle: “After concluding our five-day dharna at Dharmatala, I took a moment to personally meet CV Ananda Bose, the Hon’ble Ex Governor of West Bengal, ahead of his departure tomorrow.

“Dr. Bose is an erudite and distinguished individual, and during his tenure I had the opportunity to engage with him on matters concerning the welfare and progress of our state and its people. I have always valued these interactions.

“I extend my warmest wishes to Dr. Bose for all his future endeavours. I am confident that with his wisdom and experience, he will continue to honour any responsibility he undertakes in the days to come.”

The Governor had resigned from his post last week in Delhi and said that he is headed to his home state of Kerala.

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress national general secretary, urged party workers to ensure that the BJP becomes politically insignificant in 80,000 polling booths.

He was addressing the gathering at the sit-in demonstration at Esplanade this evening. He requested party’s chairperson Mamata Banerjee to withdraw the sit in after the Supreme Court today admitted the demands raised by the party before it.

He also asked the CM to withdraw her protest as the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar has left the city.

The sit in demonstration had entered the 5th day today. Miss Banerjee had called the dharna to protest against the highhandedness of the Election Commission of India in deleting the names of genuine voters in the name of SIR.

Mr Banerjee said the Supreme Court has passed an order where an appellate tribunal comprising the retired Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court and other retired judges will be set up to hear the appeals where names of the voters have either been deleted or sent for adjudication.

Mr Banerjee alleged that “the Election Commission of India is in league with the BJP had deliberately tried to defer the election by not completing the SIR. The judicial officers were given instructions unofficially. Their tricks have been exposed and the Supreme Court has accepted the demands raised by Trinamul Congress.”

The ECI could not explain before the Supreme Court the reason for deleting the names of the voters.

He appealed to Miss Banerjee to look after her health. “We are here. I will personally go to the Assembly constituencies along with party workers and leaders, wherever you instruct us,” he pleaded.

He said CEC Mr Gyanesh Kumar could not answer the questions raised by the city journalists regarding deletion of voters. “The party workers will help people to fill in forms whose names have been deleted, irrespective of their political colour. The movement is to ensure that the genuine voters are not dropped from the electoral roll.”

“We are fighting on the streets, in Parliament and inside the courts. Some judicial officials are deliberately trying to create obstacles to delay the disposal of cases to postpone the polls. The ECI under Gyanesh Kumar is trying to stretch the process. Ideally it should take 15 days. But they are trying to stretch it to 3-4 months. SC has stated that Bengal’s case will be considered as special. It has been said that names of voters can be enrolled on the electors’ list even a day prior to the polls,” said the TMC leader.

“This is a victory for Bengal. CM Mamata Banerjee showed the path on which TMC walked. We had the blessings of 10 crore people of Bengal. All our demands have been recognised by the SC. When we highlighted the issue of mapped voters, SC assured that even after the polls are announced, if a problem arises even a day before the polls, the SC will look into the matter to make sure that no legitimate voter of the country suffers,” said Abhishek at the Dharna Mancha.

He urged the party workers to work seriously for the next two months. “There is no place for complacency. We will have to work hard and defect the BJP and make them politically insignificant.’’