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Enough is enough: Karan Johar declares war on sensational headlines after Janhvi Kapoor comment gets twisted

A simple Instagram note from Karan Johar has sparked a bigger conversation about how celebrity interviews are being reported. He stressed that context matters, and misquoting even one line can completely change the intent behind it.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Bollywood loves drama, but this time, Karan Johar is not here for the spicy headlines. After a few of his words about Janhvi Kapoor started flying around in twisted versions, the filmmaker decided to step in, politely, but firmly.

And no, this isn’t a rant. It’s more like a calm warning wrapped in a “please behave” note.

Karan quietly dropped a message on Instagram Stories, but the tone spoke volumes. He addressed the growing habit of “clickbait headlines” and how they often take one sentence from an interview and blow it out of proportion.

Also Read: Hollywood vs Bollywood? ‘Project Hail Mary’ hits $80m while ‘Dhurandhar 2’ pulls off stunning record coup

He explained that many artists happily give interviews and sit for podcasts. But when one line is picked out without context, it completely changes the meaning, and not in a good way.

In his words, such practices can make people “wary of speaking at all.” In simple terms: if this continues, don’t be surprised if celebrities stop opening up.

“Humble request”

Karan didn’t name any platform or person. Instead, he kept things general and respectful. Calling it a “humble request,” he asked media outlets to present statements with honesty and context.

His main concern? That genuine comments are being twisted into something that sounds personal, offensive, or unnecessarily sensational.

What started it all

The buzz began after Karan spoke about Janhvi Kapoor’s exit from his talent agency in an interview. His comment about how talent keeps moving between agencies, like “passing the parcel”, caught attention.

But that wasn’t the full story.

Karan had actually clarified that such movement is normal because there are only a few major agencies. He also made it clear that he wishes well for those who leave and is open to working with them in the future.

At the same time, he admitted something very real; he would naturally prioritise talent from his own agency. His reason? He sees them as part of his “family” and wants to include them in his projects.

For those who forgot, Karan and Janhvi share history. He launched her in the 2018 film ‘Dhadak’, directed by Shashank Khaitan.

The film, produced under Dharma Productions along with Zee Studios, was a remake of the Marathi hit ‘Sairat’ by Nagraj Manjule.

Two more Indian vessels ‘Jag Vasant’ & Pine Gas’ with 92,612 MT of LPG cross Hormuz

Despite fears of disruption, both Indian vessels are continuing their voyage toward India carrying critical LPG supplies.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi | Updated :

Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, carrying 92,612.59 MT of LPG, successfully resumed their journey towards India, passing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, offering reassurance over energy supply continuity despite escalating tensions in West Asia.

The vessels have 33 and 27 Indian seafarers onboard, respectively. These vessels are are likely to reach Indian ports between 26 and 28 March 2026.

According to ship-tracking data, the two carriers navigated a carefully chosen route close to the Iranian coastline, moving northward from the UAE coast towards Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands early Monday. Their passage through the Larak-Qeshm channel highlights a strategic adjustment aimed at ensuring safer transit in a high-risk maritime zone.

Safe passage amid conflict concerns

The development comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz remains under intense global scrutiny following heightened military activity in the region. Despite fears of disruption, both Indian vessels are continuing their voyage toward India carrying critical LPG supplies.

Significantly, Indian naval task forces have been deployed in the region to monitor and safeguard commercial shipping routes, ensuring that essential cargo reaches its destination without incident. The coordinated movement underscores India’s proactive approach to securing its energy lifelines amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Earlier this month, two other Indian-flagged LPG carriers also completed a similar passage, indicating that while risks persist, controlled and escorted navigation remains viable.

Key energy corridor remains functional

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital energy transit routes, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Although tensions have surged following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the continued movement of LPG carriers signals that the corridor, while sensitive, is not entirely disrupted.

For India, which relies heavily on energy imports, the safe transit of these vessels is a crucial indicator of supply stability. As the situation evolves, authorities and shipping operators are expected to maintain heightened vigilance to ensure uninterrupted flow through this critical maritime passage.

CSK induct Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden into inaugural Hall of Fame at ROAR 2026

Chennai Super Kings inducts Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into the inaugural Hall of Fame at the ROAR 2026 event in Chennai.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Chennai Super Kings inducted franchise legends Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into their inaugural Hall of Fame during the pre-season fan event ‘ROAR 2026’ at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

Ahead of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, the five-time champions hosted the fan engagement event at Chepauk, celebrating the franchise’s legacy and its iconic contributors.

Announcing the honour, CSK wrote on X:

“Before the legacy… there were these two. Our first Hall of Fame inductees: Suresh Raina & Matthew Hayden.”


Raina, fondly known as “Mr. IPL,” was a cornerstone of CSK’s batting lineup over the years. He remains one of the league’s all-time greats, having scored 5,528 runs in 205 matches, including a century and 39 fifties, making him the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history.

Hayden, meanwhile, brought explosive firepower at the top during the early seasons. The former Australian opener scored 1,107 runs in 32 matches at an impressive average of 36.90 and a strike rate of 137.51, registering eight fifties.

The event also saw MS Dhoni honour recent achievers, including Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre, presenting them with special mementoes.


Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK will be aiming for a strong comeback this season after finishing at the bottom of the table last year. With a revamped squad following the mini-auction, the franchise will be targeting a record sixth IPL title.

‘That experience I will never forget’: Virat Kohli on ending RCB’s title wait

Virat Kohli reflects on RCB’s IPL title win, calling the final moments surreal and the wait for the last three balls the toughest.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Virat Kohli reflected on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic maiden Indian Premier League title win, describing the emotions, pressure, and surreal feeling of finally lifting the trophy after 18 seasons with the franchise.

Speaking in a video shared by RCB, Kohli said,

“I have been here since day one, and so has Mane (Team’s masseur Ramesh Mane) Kaka. We are probably the oldest members of the RCB group, and to be very honest, when we reached the finals (against Punjab Kings), I felt a sense of calm confidence.”


Despite the belief, Kohli acknowledged the challenge of playing a final against strong opposition.

“It is a final, and there is another team that has played really, really well to get there and obviously beaten a lot of good sides, so they are also very confident of what they want to do.”

Reflecting on past heartbreaks, he added that previous final losses only strengthened the team’s resolve.

“Because the league has become so much more competitive, we must have played really good cricket to get to the finals. It is not a fluke, it is not by chance. We have beaten some really good teams, and we are an amazing side who have earned the right to be here on this day. All in all, it was an amazing night for all of us.”

Kohli also opened up about the emotional weight of the moment, with memories from his 18-year journey flashing before his eyes.

“It was quite surreal for me honestly, quite unbelievable when it was all unfolding in the end. So many things flash in front of your eyes. The whole journey for 18 years, all the ups and downs, all the good moments, bad moments, it’s like the accumulation of all of that is unfolding in front of you, and that is going to happen in the next 10 minutes. It is a very difficult thing to explain, it is a thing to experience.”

He further described the tense closing moments of the final, calling them the most difficult part of the night.

“And that experience I will never ever forget. And especially the last over, where you know the game is sealed, hoping that Josh (Hazlewood) does not bowl a no-ball, which he never does. So there was a quiet confidence but still as I said you are hoping for the perfect result. So knowing that the game is beyond them and then to wait for those last three balls was probably the toughest part of the night.”

Kohli played a key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, finishing as the team’s leading run-scorer with 657 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71.

PM Modi to address Lok Sabha today on West Asia conflict

The address comes a day after the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the global situation and review preparedness across sectors.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Lok Sabha at 2 PM on Monday during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, focusing on the escalating West Asia conflict and India’s strategic response to the unfolding crisis.

The address comes a day after the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the global situation and review preparedness across sectors. The government is closely monitoring developments amid growing concerns over the conflict’s ripple effects on economies and supply chains worldwide.

‘Global Impact, Citizen Safety a Priority’

During the meeting, the Prime Minister noted that the situation remains dynamic, with implications being felt globally. He stressed that safeguarding Indian citizens from any fallout of the conflict remains a top priority.

Modi directed all arms of the government to work in coordination to minimise disruptions for the public. He also emphasised the need for close coordination with state governments to curb black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities.

Key Takeaways from CCS Meeting

  • Comprehensive Review: A detailed presentation by the Cabinet Secretary outlined the global scenario and mitigation strategies undertaken by various ministries and departments.
  • Sector-Wise Impact Assessment: The government reviewed potential impacts across agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exports, shipping, trade, finance, and supply chains.
  • Economic Outlook: The broader macroeconomic situation was assessed, with discussions on both immediate and long-term policy responses.
  • Essential Supplies: Authorities evaluated availability of critical resources such as food, fuel, and energy, with contingency plans for short-, medium-, and long-term stability.
  • Kharif Season Preparedness: Fertiliser availability for farmers was reviewed, with officials noting that existing stockpiles and alternative sourcing strategies would ensure a timely supply.
  • Power Security: Adequate coal reserves at thermal power plants are expected to prevent any electricity shortages.
  • Trade Diversification: Plans are underway to diversify import sources for key industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, while exploring new export markets for Indian goods.

Focus on Long-Term Resilience

Officials also discussed the broader economic implications of the West Asia conflict, noting that its effects could unfold over the short, medium, and long term. Strategies to strengthen India’s resilience, particularly in supply chains, energy security, and trade—are being prioritised.

The Prime Minister’s address in the Lok Sabha is expected to outline India’s stance on the crisis and detail the government’s preparedness to shield the domestic economy and citizens from global disruptions.

Geology as warfare: Iran put its missiles where physics, not diplomacy, keeps them safe

CNN satellite analysis and Alma Research findings show Iran’s underground tunnel cities, with internal rail systems that move missiles to blast-door exits, have survived the bombing campaign largely intact. The geology, analysts say, is the real defence.

Statesman News Service | Mumbai |

Three weeks of intensive US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure have destroyed radar systems, collapsed tunnel entrances, and cratered ventilation shafts across dozens of sites. Iran keeps firing. The reason, according to satellite analysis by CNN and assessments by Israeli security research centre Alma Research, lies not above the ground but hundreds of metres beneath it; inside a network of underground missile cities connected by internal railways, carved into mountains that no bomb in the current American or Israeli arsenal can fully reach.

Iran’s underground missile programme is not a recent improvisation. Reports that emerged as far back as 2020 claimed an automated railway system running through cavernous tunnels, transporting ballistic missiles between assembly halls, storage vaults, and blast-door exits. What is becoming clearer now, as Operation Epic Fury enters its fourth week, is the scale of what was built and the limits of what air power alone can do against it.

What the satellite imagery shows

CNN‘s investigation, published recently, analysed satellite images from 27 Iranian underground bases covering 107 tunnels. It found that the US-Israeli campaign had struck 77 per cent of the tunnel entrances it could image. It also found something more troubling: construction equipment appearing at bombed sites within 48 hours, digging out blocked entrances and restoring access to the tunnel systems below.

Alma Research, which has tracked Iran’s missile infrastructure for years, reached a similar conclusion in its January 2026 assessment, based on damage sustained during the June 2025 war.

It found that strikes on surface infrastructure had only temporarily rendered large missile launch bases inoperable. Any Iranian asset located within underground infrastructure, the centre concluded, survived.

One of the most discussed sites is near Yazd, in central Iran. The site has been struck by the United States and Israel on multiple occasions, including on March 1, March 6, March 17, and again in the days that followed.

Independent analyst Shanaka Anslem Perera, in a post on X, argued that the visible damage tells only part of the story: that the tunnel system below, with blast doors serving as separate exit points and a rail network that reroutes when one portal is lost, remains operational.

The physics of why bombs cannot finish the job

The central constraint is geological, and it has now been publicly stated by Iran itself. Former IRGC Aerospace Force commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said that Iran built its missile bases across provinces and cities at a depth of 500 metres.

The most powerful weapon the United States has for destroying hardened underground targets is the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator – a 30,000-pound bomb built specifically for this purpose. It can penetrate “approximately 60 metres of reinforced concrete or roughly 40 metres of moderate rock. Granite is harder than moderate rock. Five hundred metres is more than twelve times the weapon’s maximum penetration depth. The gap between the bomb and the tunnel is not a margin of error.”

It is, as Perera puts it, a physical impossibility, and the Iranian commander’s own statement suggests Tehran built its deepest facilities with precisely that gap in mind.

“The mountain does not care how many sorties are flown above it. The railway does not care how many portals are sealed. The geology is the defence, and the geology has been there for 300 million years,” observed Perera.

What this means for the war

The engineering logic, as Perera describes it, is straightforward: “Every missile that hits Arad, Dimona, or central Israel was assembled underground, moved on rails to an exit, and fired from a door that may have been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times since February 28. The persistence of Iranian missile fire despite three weeks of intensive strikes is not resilience. It is infrastructure. ”

“IRGC did not prepare for this war by building rockets. It prepared by building railways inside mountains. The rockets are replaceable. The railways are permanent. And the granite that protects them was formed before mammals existed. The strait is 21 miles wide. The mountain is 500 metres deep. And the railway inside it is still delivering missiles to the surface,” he added.

Iran has continued to fire ballistic missiles throughout Operation Epic Fury, including the attempted strike on the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia. Trump has said the operation is running weeks ahead of schedule and that Iran’s military is finished. The satellite imagery and the institutional assessments tell a more complicated story: one in which the visible war, fought above ground, has made genuine progress, and the invisible war, fought half a kilometre underground, has barely begun.

Akhilesh Yadav promises women-focused schemes, pension revival in Uttar Pradesh

Yadav pledged to revive the “Samajwadi Pension,” a welfare initiative from previous Samajwadi Party governments that provided financial support to economically weaker sections, including women.

Manisha Gupta | New Delhi |

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday reaffirmed his party’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, outlining proposed welfare measures aimed at improving their social and economic standing in Uttar Pradesh.

‎In a message posted on his WhatsApp channel, the SP leader stressed what he described as a long-standing dedication to ensuring “full freedom, safety, rights, empowerment, and upliftment” for women.

‎“We have always been, and will continue to be, firmly committed to ensuring full freedom, safety, rights, empowerment, and upliftment for half the population,” Yadav said, adding that acknowledging women’s role in strengthening families and society enhances both “their dignity and morale.”

‎Referring to the party’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) framework, Yadav said the ‘A’ also represents “aadhi abaadi,” or half the population, encompassing women of all age groups. “Every girl child, young woman, and woman deserves equal social and economic respect and the opportunity to stand on her own feet,” he said.

‎He announced that the party would introduce a proposed “Women’s Respect and Prosperity Scheme” to promote financial independence and overall well-being among women. Additionally, Yadav pledged to revive the “Samajwadi Pension,” a welfare initiative from previous Samajwadi Party governments that provided financial support to economically weaker sections, including women.

‎“We will bring the ‘Women’s Respect and Prosperity Scheme’ to ensure equal social and economic respect and promote prosperity. We will also reinstate the ‘Samajwadi Pension’ to further strengthen women,” he said, linking these measures to his broader commitment to the “complete development of Uttar Pradesh.”

‎The Samajwadi Party has historically emphasized welfare-driven governance and social justice, particularly for marginalized communities. The renewed focus on women comes amid intensifying political competition in the state, where parties are increasingly rolling out targeted initiatives such as financial aid, subsidies, and safety measures aimed at women voters.

‎Yadav’s remarks are seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate support among women by combining economic assistance with a message of dignity and empowerment, themes likely to remain central to the party’s campaign narrative in the run-up to upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Pak-based militant group threatens David Warner, Steve Smith and other foreign cricketers to skip PSL 2026

Armed anti-Pakistan groups have issued a warning to foreign players ahead of PSL 2026, claiming they could face security risks if they travel to the country.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

The 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been thrown into serious uncertainty after an armed anti-Pakistan group issued a stark and chilling warning to overseas players, cautioning them against travelling to the country ahead of the tournament starting March 26.

The development comes even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to stage the tournament behind closed doors across just two cities, Karachi and Lahore, citing the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising fuel costs.

The group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has threatened foreign players, claiming they could face grave security risks if they travel to Pakistan for the league.

“We want to advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players to Pakistan. If something happens to them, it will not be our responsibility. We have already issued our warning,” a commander of the group was quoted as saying, as per The Sunday Guardian.

 

The PSL is set to feature several prominent overseas cricketers, including Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, among others, though reports suggest a number of players have already withdrawn in the lead-up to the tournament.

The rhetoric escalated further with an explicit threat to disrupt the tournament if the warning is ignored.

“We will do whatever is in our capacity, but we will not let the matches happen. We will do our best to ensure that the tournament is disrupted and the players do not take to the field,” the commander said, according to the report.

While maintaining that it is not opposed to cricket as a sport, the group claimed that the prevailing security situation in Pakistan makes it unsafe for a high-profile event involving international players.

Tournament organisers and relevant authorities are yet to respond officially to the development. With the PSL scheduled to go ahead as planned, questions now loom large over player participation and the smooth conduct of the tournament.

Before ‘Dhurandhar 2’ glory, there was struggle: Gaurav Gera shares 28-year-old letter from Mumbai days

A handwritten letter from 1998 shows Gaurav Gera worrying about money, bills, and survival in Mumbai. Today, the same actor is winning hearts with his role in ‘Dhurandhar 2’.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

There are glow-ups… and then there are stories that quietly break your heart before making you smile. Actor Gaurav Gera just served one such moment on social media, and fans cannot stop talking about it.

Fresh off the roaring success of ‘Dhurandhar 2’, the man we all love as the iconic ‘Chutki’ decided to rewind time; way back to a younger, struggling version of himself in Mumbai. And what he shared? A handwritten letter that feels like a page straight out of a dreamer’s diary.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gaurav Gera (@gauravgera)

A letter from 1998

On Sunday, Gaurav took to Instagram and dropped images of a letter he had written to his parents on December 3, 1998. At that time, he had just moved to Mumbai from Delhi, full of hope but very little stability.

His caption read like a conversation across time. He reminded everyone that this was 28 years ago; an era before emails, when letters carried emotions across cities. He reflected on how life unfolded after that moment: television shows, films, ad projects, musical plays, radio, and now even TikTok and Reels.

He called it a “lovely journey with ups and downs” and admitted that while life has been kind, the recent Dhurandhar 2 success feels surreal. He also gave a quiet shoutout to his younger self for not giving up, and to his parents for standing by him no matter what.

The struggle was real (and very honest)

The letter itself is simple, raw, and painfully relatable.

Gaurav begins by asking his parents how they are and assures them he is doing okay. But then comes the reality check. He openly admits that nothing had worked out financially yet.

He writes about how Mumbai has more work opportunities than Delhi, but also talks about daily expenses like telephone bills, electricity, gas, water, and food. It’s the kind of detail that shows how carefully he was managing life back then.

Still, the most powerful line is his belief: the future is bright, but he has a lot more to learn.

The ‘Chutki’ star’s big Dhurandhar turn

Cut to today, and Gaurav Gera is enjoying a career high.

In Dhurandhar 2, he plays Mohammad Aalam, an Indian agent in Ranveer Singh’s intense Lyari-based story. His physical transformation and performance grabbed attention instantly.

However, his character meets a tragic end in the film.

Also Read: WATCH: Hyderabad fans book Telugu ‘Dhurandhar’ but Hindi version plays, theatre erupts into chaos

Punjab official’s suicide: Daughter alleges ‘torture’ by former minister Bhullar, family refuses last rites without arrests

The deceased’s daughter, Harsirat Kaur, alleged that her father had been under severe pressure in the days leading up to his death.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

The death of Punjab Warehousing Corporation (PWC) official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa has triggered outrage in Punjab, with his family appealing for immediate arrests and justice. Randhawa, a district manager with the corporation, who was allegedly tortured by former state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, died by suicide on Saturday.

The deceased’s daughter, Harsirat Kaur, alleged that her father had been under severe pressure in the days leading up to his death. “He was being tortured for more than a week. Arrest the guilty immediately. This is a non-bailable offence,” she said, demanding swift action from authorities.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have registered an FIR in connection with the case, naming Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh. However, there has been no arrests so far.

Family refuses last rites without action

Randhawa’s wife, Upinder Kaur, has also called for urgent intervention, demanding the arrest of Laljit Singh Bhullar. “No action has been taken so far. The postmortem and last rites will only be conducted after arrests are made,” she said.

Upinder Kaur also appealed to community groups to stand by the family. She said,” I appeal to all Jathebandis to support us.”

Echoing the demand, Randhawa’s brother-in-law Jasbir Singh said the family would not proceed with postmortem or funeral rites until those named in the FIR are arrested. “Despite videos circulating widely, no substantive action has been taken. He was pushed to such torment that it cost him his life. We want justice, nothing less,” he said, adding that no senior government representative had visited the family so far.

Government response

Responding to the controversy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the government maintains a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption. “If someone is found responsible for forcing another person to take such a step, the law will take its course. Whether it is a minister or anyone else, the law is the same for everyone,” Mann said.

The case continues to draw attention across the state, with mounting pressure on authorities to act swiftly as the grieving family holds firm on its demand for justice.

After decades of hits, Mohanlal and Priyadarshan reunite for a historic 100th film

Mohanlal teams up again with Priyadarshan as the director reaches his 100th film, making it a very special moment. This project brings back one of Malayalam cinema’s most loved actor-director pairs.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

After decades of friendship, laughter, and blockbuster magic, Mohanlal and Priyadarshan are coming together again, this time for something truly historic.

This upcoming project is not just another film. It marks Priyadarshan’s 100th movie in cinema, a rare achievement that very few filmmakers reach.

Mohanlal shared the big news on his social media, but it wasn’t just an announcement. It felt like a heartfelt letter to a friend. He wrote that some milestones don’t belong to one person, but to everyone who stood close during the journey.

 

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A post shared by Mohanlal (@mohanlal)

He spoke about how “Priyan” reaching 100 films is not just about numbers, but about years of passion, belief in cinema, and endless storytelling. Mohanlal also said he feels lucky to have witnessed this journey from so close; and now, to be part of this special film too.

A full-circle moment for Priyadarshan

In a video message, Priyadarshan opened up about why this film means so much to him.

He revealed something that fans instantly loved: his very first film and first script had Mohanlal as the lead. And now, his 100th film will also have Mohanlal in the lead.

He called it something “rarer than a blue moon,” making this reunion feel even more magical.

The film is being produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas. Co-production is handled by Binu George Alexander.

Mohanlal shared that he feels deeply honoured to be part of this landmark project. According to him, some moments cannot be explained in words, they can only be felt and cherished.

The duo last worked together on ‘Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham’, a grand historical drama released in 2021.

Also Read: WATCH: Shaan turns a regular train ride into a full-on live concert… and nobody saw it coming!

Goa: Son of BJP councillor arrested in sexual abuse case involving 25-30 minor girls

The South Goa Police arrested 20-year-old Soham Sushant Naik in the wee hours of Monday following an intense public outcry over an alleged sex scandal involving 25 to 30 minor girls.

IANS | New Delhi |

The South Goa Police arrested 20-year-old Soham Sushant Naik in the wee hours of Monday following an intense public outcry over an alleged sex scandal involving 25 to 30 minor girls. Naik, a resident of Madegal-Cacora and the son of a BJP Curchorem Municipal councillor, was taken into custody after a mob of concerned citizens and local leaders picketed the police station.

The investigation suggests a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning the last three years. According to preliminary reports, the BJP corporator’s son allegedly engaged in sexual relations with numerous minors, filming the encounters and subsequently using the footage to threaten the victims into silence.

The scandal came to light last week after Soham Sushant Naik allegedly boasted about his actions during a social gathering, showing explicit videos of the victims to his associates. As rumours of the sexual abuse recordings spread through South Goa, local tension reached a boiling point.

However, before this, the case was being discussed in South Goa for the last few days. Local citizens gathered at the Kudchade police station on Sunday night seeking action as the case was linked to a local BJP corporator. Finally, the police took the corporator’s son Soham Naik into custody.

The action came after the accused showed some videos to his friends at a drinking party last week. This led to the revelation of the years of alleged sexual abuse of minors by the BJP leader’s son.

On Sunday, Curchorem residents had marched to the police station demanding a fair probe into the alleged sex-racket videos involving minors.

The protestors had warned of a bandh if police failed to act immediately and arrest the accused within 48 hours. The residents had also demanded that the police register a suo motu FIR in the case rather than wait for victims to come forward.

State Congress president Amit Patkar demanded that the government step in, take suo motu cognisance, and order a prompt, impartial, and time-bound enquiry into the horrific case.

The South Goa Police are currently investigating the digital evidence and determining the full scale of the exploitation of the minor girls by Soham Sushant Naik.

Soham Sushant Naik remains in custody as forensic teams work to recover the alleged videos used for blackmailing the minor girls.

WATCH: Shaan turns a regular train ride into a full-on live concert… and nobody saw it coming!

A normal train ride became special when Shaan started singing after a passenger’s request. His songs brought smiles to everyone and made the journey unforgettable.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Who needs a stage when you have train compartment and a legend like Shaan? It started as a quiet journey and quickly turned into magical musical moment that left co-passengers stunned and smiling.

The singer shared video on his social media showing himself boarding a train and soaking in the scenic views from the window. It all looked like a calm, nostalgic trip at first. But then came the twist no one expected.

One request… and the concert begins

In the clip, a co-passenger politely asked Shaan to sing. And just like that, the train coach transformed into a mini concert hall. Without any fuss, he began singing “Dil Leke Darde Dil De Gaye” from the film Wanted.

 

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A post shared by Shaan Mukherji (@singer_shaan)

As if one iconic song wasn’t enough, Shaan went on to sing his evergreen hit “Tanha Dil”. That sealed the deal that this wasn’t just a train ride anymore.

Sharing the video, Shaan revealed that the journey meant a lot more to him than it looked. He wrote that travelling on the Gitanjali Express after a long time brought back many fond memories.

‘Mumbai teaches you to stay happy’

Away from the musical moment, the singer also opened up about life in Mumbai, where he lives with his family. He spoke about the city’s spirit and how people manage to stay positive despite daily struggles.

He pointed out issues like infrastructure, travel problems, and pollution. But said solutions are slowly coming. What impressed him most? The attitude of Mumbaikars.

Also Read: No mercy for Badshah: Haryana Police erases 857 ‘Tateeree’ links, arrest calls and FIR storm intensify

MLS: Messi strikes as Inter Miami CF claim 3-2 win over New York City FC

Inter Miami CF defeated New York City FC 3-2 at Yankee Stadium, with goals from Messi, Luján, and Micael, extending their unbeaten MLS run to four matches.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Inter Miami CF extended its unbeaten start to four matches in the 2026 MLS regular season with a 3-2 victory on the road over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.

Defenders Gonzalo Luján and Micael scored their first goals for the club, while captain Lionel Messi netted from a free kick to help seal the win.

Inter Miami drew first blood in the 4th minute, when Luján converted a rebound from a blocked attempt by Segovia, marking his first career goal. New York City FC equalised in the 17th minute through Nicolás Fernandez.

Messi came close to putting Inter Miami ahead before halftime, striking the left post twice with curled shots from outside the box in the 31st and 42nd minutes, but the first half ended 1-1. The visitors fell behind in the 59th minute after a goal from Agustin Ojeda.

Messi quickly restored parity in the 61st minute, converting a free kick to bring his tally to four goals for the 2026 regular season. Inter Miami reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute when Micael powered home a header from a precise cross by Allen, marking his first goal for the club, while Allen registered his second assist of the season.

The backline held firm in the closing stages, with Ayala blocking a dangerous attempt from Talles Magno in the 90th minute, and St. Clair denying a late header from Aiden O’Neill in stoppage time.

The 3-2 scoreline held, giving Inter Miami all three points on the road. The club will host its first home game of the season against Austin FC on April 4 at the historic inaugural match at Nu Stadium.

Voter list to be released on Monday evening

The Election Commission will release the second phase of the updated voter list on Monday evening, publishing details of all pending voter entries that have been processed so far.

UNI | New Delhi |

The Election Commission will release the second phase of the updated voter list on Monday evening, publishing details of all pending voter entries that have been processed so far.

According to Commission sources, data of 28.06 lakh pending voters had been resolved across the state till Sunday evening.

The updated lists are expected to reach district election officers by Monday afternoon.

From the evening, voters will be able to access the supplementary list online through the Commission’s official website.

Additionally, the lists will be displayed at booths, BDO offices, SDO offices, and District Magistrate offices across the state.

The Commission has already received updated records from around 40,000 booths, reflecting progress made till Friday.

Sources in the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office indicated that the publication is being carried out in compliance with directives of the Supreme Court.

Officials maintained that the process is being conducted strictly within the legal framework, reducing the likelihood of disputes following the release.

As per court guidelines, individuals whose names are excluded will have the option to appeal before tribunals.

The Calcutta High Court has already constituted 19 tribunals for 23 districts, appointing 19 retired judges to oversee the process.

Earlier, on February 28, the Commission had released an incomplete voter list that included 60.06 lakh pending names.

Following court directions, more than 700 serving and retired judicial officers have been engaged to expedite the verification process.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting on security arrangements was held at the CEO office on Sunday.

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal met the Joint Force Deployment Committee to discuss the deployment of Central forces for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Plans regarding the number of forces, their locations, and operational strategies were deliberated.

The meeting was attended by state police nodal officer Anand Kumar, special observer NK Mishra, and Central forces nodal officers Shalabh Mathur and Gaurav Sharma.

Following the release of the list, the Commission has directed both police and Central forces to remain vigilant on law and order.

Sources indicated that an additional 300 companies of central forces are expected to arrive in the state by March 31.

The Commission will also hold a virtual review meeting with district election officers, district magistrates, police superintendents, and police commissioners at 4 pm on Monday from Delhi.

The meeting, expected to last around two hours, will be led by Deputy Election Commissioner Manish Garg.

Other officials, including Deputy Commissioners Gyanesh Bharti and Pawan Kumar Sharma, along with CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, will also be present.

The agenda of the meeting includes reviewing poll preparedness, security arrangements, and manpower deployment.

District authorities have been instructed to jointly prepare PowerPoint presentations detailing their plans, which will be assessed by the Commission to ensure a smooth and secure election process.

He couldn’t resist this one: Donald Trump shares SNL UK premiere skit that shows Keir Starmer’s anxiety

Trump didn’t say a word, but his clip choice said plenty, especially with what was left out. The ‘SNL UK’ sketch had sharper punches, but viewers only got the softer, safer slice.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi |

Looks like even the loudest critics can secretly become fans… when the joke lands just right. Yes, the same man who has spent years roasting TV comedy just couldn’t resist sharing a cheeky clip from across the pond this weekend.

Donald Trump may not be the biggest cheerleader of Saturday Night Live, but something about its British cousin clearly caught his eye.

On Sunday, Trump posted a clip from the debut episode of Saturday Night Live UK on his platform Truth Social. Interestingly, he didn’t add a single word, just dropped the video and let it do the talking.

A nervous Starmer takes centre stage

The clip features actor George Fouracres doing a spot-on (and slightly panicked) impression of Keir Starmer.

In the sketch, Starmer is shown nervously preparing to call Trump, clearly unsure how to handle the conversation. “Golly! What if Donald shouts at me? What do I say, Lammy?” he frets, before losing his nerve completely the moment Trump’s voice appears.

He quickly hangs up, calling Trump “scary, scary… wonderful,” and wondering why he’s so difficult to talk to. Awkward? Very. Funny? Definitely.

The clip Trump didn’t show

Here’s where things get interesting. The version Trump shared was trimmed. It cut off before Starmer actually gathers courage or says anything bold.

In the full sketch, Starmer leaves a voice note referencing Friends, yes, that Ross-and-Rachel “we were on a break” moment. He suggests maybe the UK and the US need a similar “break,” at least until things cool down.

The punchline gets sharper. Starmer jokes that Trump seems eager to start World War III (yikes), adds that Britain can’t join in, but casually offers access to naval bases.

Trump vs the original ‘SNL’: A long history

This little moment feels ironic, given Trump’s long-standing dislike for the original show created by Lorne Michaels.

Over the years, he has frequently criticised the American version, especially its political sketches. Actor James Austin Johnson often plays Trump in those cold opens, something the US president hasn’t always enjoyed.

Also Read: Hollywood vs Bollywood? ‘Project Hail Mary’ hits $80m while ‘Dhurandhar 2’ pulls off stunning record coup

HDFC Bank slides to 52-week low as governance concerns deepen sell-off

HDFC Bank shares remain under pressure, extending recent losses as concerns around internal issues and broader market volatility continue to impact investor confidence.

Statesman News Service | Mumbai |

HDFC Bank shares stayed weak on Monday, adding to last week’s losses, as worries around governance, leadership changes and regulatory issues kept investors on edge.

The stock fell over 3 per cent in early trade to around ₹754 on the BSE, slipping close to its 52-week low of ₹752.85.

The decline comes after a difficult run for the stock. HDFC Bank had already lost nearly 10 per cent in just five sessions last week, and is now down over 18 per cent in the past month.

Pressure builds after sharp erosion in value

The fresh fall follows a steep erosion in the bank’s market value last week, when it emerged as the biggest loser among India’s most-valued companies.

Its market capitalisation had dropped by over ₹56,000 crore during the week, even as the broader market remained largely flat with a negative bias.

What’s worrying investors

Market participants say the current sell-off is being driven less by broader market trends and more by stock-specific concerns.

Investors are staying on the sidelines for now, as worries around governance, leadership changes and regulatory issues continue to linger.

The timing hasn’t helped either. Global markets are already shaky, which has made the decline in a heavyweight like HDFC Bank even sharper.