The newly released action flick ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ starring Pawan Kalyan has reportedly fallen prey to piracy within hours of its theatrical release. The action-comedy entertainer directed by Harish Shankar hit theatres on March 19, 2026, as a festive Ugadi release.

Piracy setback and court protection against trolls

Filmibeat reports say that ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ surfaced on multiple piracy platforms shortly after release. The piracy issue comes even as the film reportedly obtained legal protection ahead of its release. As reported by The Statesman, a court issued an ex-parte temporary injunction to safeguard ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ from harmful online content.The order which is backed by a ‘John Doe’ clause restricts anonymous individuals and platforms from spreading defamatory or misleading material. The producers had approached the court and cited concerns that such content could damage the film’s reputation and business prospects.

Mixed reviews flood social media

Alongside the piracy controversy ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ has been receiving mixed reactions from audiences.One review read, “#UstaadBhagatSingh A Completely Outdated Commercial Entertainer! A commercial film like this doesn’t necessarily need out of the box writing, but it atleast needs some freshness. This one feels outdated to the core from the start to end. A few elevation blocks work, but the film lacks flow, feeling like a stitched together compilation of commercial scenes. Harish Shankar falters on both comedy and commercial writing. Thaman tries to elevate with his BGM but has little scope. PK tries in parts, but this one misses his trademark energy. Boring! Rating: 2/5.”Another viewer wrote, “#Ustaadbhagatsingh My rating 2/5 Below average movie.”

Praise for Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence

Despite criticism, several viewers praised Pawan Kalyan for his screen presence and performance.One tweet noted, “#UstaadBhagatSingh – PK’s look, Screen presence & Dialogues r the positives in this Routine, Outdated Drama. Parthiban Naidu as weak villain. Sreeleela ok. Raashi Khanna has no scope. Thaman does a Anirudh work in BGM. One melody track nice. Narration is a Patience Tester. BORE!.”Another review added, “#UstaadBhagatSingh Pawankalyan’s childhood portions were very well written Entry worked out well Dialouges are too good. 1st half is going very well Sorry @harish2you thakuva anchana vesinamduku.”

Humour and mass moments get divided response

The film’s humour and mass appeal sequences have also drawn mixed reactions.One viewer wrote, “Humor that plays on Pawan Kalyan’s limited dancing abilities lands effectively. Pawan Kalyan performing popular songs in his own style was absolutely hilarious.” Another highlighted a key scene, stating, “Police station sequence started off second half with a bang PK’s aggression.”On the other hand, Sacnilk website’s early reports say that the Pawan Kalyan starrer has opened with more than Rs 9 crores at the box office.

Varun Chakravarthy’s contrasting performances across formats recently, from dominating the IPL to facing challenges during the T20 World Cup despite finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker, underline a deeper truth about spin bowling in T20 cricket – mystery alone isn’t enough.For former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra, the issue wasn’t about Chakravarthy being “decoded” but about execution under pressure.“In the T20 World Cup, Varun was using his skills a bit incorrectly,” Mishra told TimesofIndia.com. “He started bowling a bit too fast, leaving his strengths. In the IPL (last year), he used to bowl one slow ball, one top-spin, one googly, and one leg-spin. He wasn’t doing that under pressure (in T20 World Cup) when runs were being scored.”Mishra pointed to a shift in approach rather than a dip in ability. “You need someone to tell you, to explain. Everyone knows execution is important, that’s why I say stick to your strengths.”

The rise of mystery spinners in T20s

From Sunil Narine and Ajantha Mendis to Abrar Ahmed and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, mystery spinners have become central to T20 cricket’s evolution.Since the format’s introduction, such bowlers have had an unprecedented impact. The addition of the Decision Review System (DRS) has further aided their success, giving umpires more confidence on marginal calls.Yet, traditional spinners – those who rely on spin, dip, and a dependable stock ball – continue to remain relevant.Mishra believes that despite the growing obsession with variations, the fundamentals of spin bowling remain unchanged.“Simple bowling in T20 means that when you already have some help from the pitch, you shouldn’t try too hard for wickets,” he said.“If the pitch is helping, simple bowling means sticking to your good areas, sticking to your strengths. If it’s going well, keep bowling at that pace until it’s necessary to change. When the batsman is struggling, you don’t need to change much.”For a bowler who claimed three IPL hat-tricks, Mishra’s definition of ‘simple’ stands in contrast to the modern demand for constant deception.

T20 cricket: batters game?

Having witnessed T20 cricket and the IPL from its early years, Mishra sees a clear transformation in batting.“Indian players now have a variety of shots like the reverse sweep, paddle sweep, and switch hit, which we earlier saw mostly from foreign players. Now, Indian players have these shots too. It’s become more difficult for bowlers,” he said.The shift, he believes, is as much mental as technical.“Power encompasses everything. If you put pressure on the bowler in the first 12 balls, it puts them on the backfoot. That’s a mindset change.”This evolution has tilted the balance further towards batters, with totals of 190 or 200 and now even 250 becoming routine in the IPL.Even so, Mishra insists that spinners should not abandon their natural strengths.“I’ve always said I stuck to my strengths and made variations. My strength was spin and dip, that’s what I did. You have to know your bowling strength. A spinner’s job is to spin the ball. You should know how to spin it.”

Do match-ups really matter?

On the growing reliance on data-driven match-ups, Mishra pushed back against rigid templates.“I never believed a left-arm orthodox spinner can’t bowl to a left-hander or an off-spinner can’t bowl to a right-hander. If you have the skills, you can do it. If you lack skills, then you need to enhance them.”For him, adaptability outweighs preset strategies.“You have to develop understanding, develop your skills, and variations.”He pointed to Rashid Khan as an example of consistency in approach. “Like Rashid Khan, he stays around 100, that’s his strength. He doesn’t leave it.”Looking ahead to young spinners in the IPL, Mishra avoided naming individuals but warned of the challenge that follows a breakthrough season.“When you are new, people haven’t seen much of you, so you have more chances to perform. But now, I want to see what changes they have made in their bowling this year, what mindset they have brought, what they have enhanced,” he concluded.

At least 16 US military aircraft have been destroyed since the start of the conflict with Iran, including 10 MQ-9 Reaper drones shot down by enemy fire, while several others have been damaged in strikes and operational incidents, according to officials cited by Bloomberg.The most severe losses were attributed to accidents, including three US F-15 fighter jets downed by friendly fire in Kuwait and a KC-135 refuelling tanker destroyed during a mid-air operation, killing all six crew members on board. Five additional KC-135 aircraft were reportedly damaged in an Iranian missile strike on a base in Saudi Arabia.So far, only uncrewed Reaper drones have been downed by Iranian air defences, with at least nine destroyed in flight. Another was hit on the ground at an airfield in Jordan by a ballistic missile. Two more were lost in accidents. The drones are designed to be expendable and are often deployed in high-risk environments due to their lower cost and lack of onboard pilots.The scale of US operations may be contributing to the losses. Analysts claimed that the number of sorties flown in the early phase of the war exceeded those conducted during the opening of the Gulf War. “The difference might be a much greater rate of effort,” said Peter Layton, as quoted by Bloomberg.Despite early efforts to neutralise Iran’s air defences, achieving full air superiority has proven difficult. A US F-35 fighter jet was recently forced to make an emergency landing at a regional air base after being struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, though the pilot survived, according to a CNN reported that quoted Centcom official.US military officials acknowledge that only “localised air superiority” has been established in parts of Iranian airspace, highlighting ongoing operational challenges. The continued presence of active air defences is also complicating efforts to secure key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.Accidents during high-intensity operations are not uncommon, analysts say. “Periodic accidents like the tragic mid-air collision with the KC-135s are an unfortunate likelihood in large, high tempo, high pressure combat operations,” said Justin Bronk.As the war enters its third week, Iran has maintained a steady pace of regional strikes, including attacks on energy infrastructure in Qatar and Saudi Arabia in retaliation for strikes on its South Pars gas field.

NEW DELHI: The govt has asked all entities across the oil and gas value chain to regularly furnish detailed operational information to the ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), with officials classifying the data as a matter of national security. With imports plummeting, the move signals the vulnerability of the sector, turning it into a strategic asset and highlighting the importance of energy in the overall economy.The data to be disclosed includes production, imports, stock levels and consumption patterns, with the order overriding existing confidentiality provisions. “The obligation to furnish information under this order shall apply notwithstanding anything contained in any contract, agreement, commercial arrangement or confidentiality obligation, and no entity shall refuse to furnish information required under this notification on the ground that such information is commercially sensitive or proprietary,” a gazette notification issued by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas on March 18 said.Every entity engaged in the production, processing, refining, storage, transportation, import, export, marketing, distribution or consumption of petroleum products or natural gas will be required to furnish the data to PPAC. “The data was being shared even earlier, but the notification will provide legal strength to the practice,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry. With a squeeze on energy supplies, the petroleum ministry reiterated govt was trying to tap energy cargoes from geographies outside West Asia to make up for supply losses due to the military conflict. Sharma said 90% of imported LPG was sourced from West Asia and 47% of natural gas from Qatar in the pre-conflict period, which is now unavailable due to force majeure declared by some facilities and disruptions in transit via the Strait of Hormuz.“The impact is definitely there… We are dealing with it by picking up cargo from other sources. About 70% of crude is coming from areas outside the Strait of Hormuz (up from 55%). We are trying to diversify in LPG as well, with some supplies now coming from the US. Qatar is a big supplier of LNG, but we are now sourcing it from the US and Australia,” Sharma said on a day when Iran struck oil and gas facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi and the UAE.Sharma said there was no shortage of fuel, but LPG supply continued to be monitored, even as no dry-outs had been reported. She added nearly 56 lakh refills were booked on March 18 and about 55 lakh delivered to homes.

Dubai is preparing for one of its largest and most coordinated Eid ul Fitr 2026 prayer gatherings in recent years, with authorities announcing that more than 900 mosques across the emirate will host prayers, a ‘Muezzin Al Freej’ that reflects both the spiritual significance of the occasion and the logistical precision required in the current climate but this year’s celebrations come with a notable shift.While the scale remains grand, the format has changed and marks a careful balance between tradition, safety and evolving regional realities.

Dubai’s citywide Eid ul Fitr 2026 prayer network

According to officials, Eid ul Fitr prayers in Dubai will take place at 6:40 am across over 900 mosques, ensuring that the Muslim worshippers across the city have access to nearby prayer spaces. This wide distribution is not just about convenience, it is a deliberate strategy to avoid overcrowding, ensure smoother movement of worshippers and maintain safety and order across the emirate.Authorities have confirmed full readiness, with coordination between religious bodies and emergency response teams to manage what is expected to be a massive turnout.

No open grounds this year in Dubai for Eid ul Fitr 2026 prayer

In a significant departure from tradition, Dubai, along with other Gulf countries, has restricted Eid ul Fitr prayers to mosques only, suspending large open-air gatherings such as Eidgah prayers. This decision is rooted in the broader regional context. Amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions and heightened security concerns due to Iran vs US-Israel war, authorities are prioritising controlled environments over large, open congregations.

Mosques, with defined capacities and structured entry systems, offer a more manageable setting for large gatherings. While this may alter the familiar visual of sprawling Eid prayer grounds, the essence of the celebration remains intact, just more organised and secure.

Eid ul Fitr 2026 prayer timing and significance in Dubai and other UAE emirates

The announcement comes as the UAE officially confirmed that Eid ul Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, 2026, following the completion of Ramadan. Eid prayers, held shortly after sunrise, are the spiritual highlight of the festival, bringing together communities in a shared moment of gratitude and celebration. In Dubai, the uniform timing of 6:40 am ensures synchronisation across the emirate, creating a sense of collective worship on a citywide scale. Adding to the atmosphere, initiatives like coordinated takbeerat (Eid chants) and mosque-wide announcements will create a unified spiritual experience across Dubai. From neighbourhood mosques to major prayer centres, the sound of Eid Takbeerat will resonate simultaneously, turning the entire city into a shared space of devotion. This synchronisation is not just symbolic; it reflects Dubai’s emphasis on community cohesion, even within a structured and regulated environment.

Safety takes centre stage in Dubai during Eid ul Fitr 2026 prayer

Behind the scenes, authorities have placed strong emphasis on safety and preparedness. Across the UAE, guidelines have been issued urging worshippers to arrive early to avoid congestion, follow instructions from mosque officials and maintain orderly movement within prayer spaces. The decision to decentralise prayers across hundreds of mosques is itself a safety measure, reducing the risks associated with large, concentrated gatherings.This comes at a time when the region has witnessed emergency alerts, heightened security protocols and increased vigilance around public gatherings. Against this backdrop, Eid prayers are being carefully managed to ensure they remain peaceful and secure. Dubai’s approach is part of a broader Gulf-wide trend. Countries including the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar have all moved towards mosque-only Eid ul Fitr prayers, signalling a regional shift in how large religious gatherings are organised during times of uncertainty.This marks a notable evolution from previous years, where large outdoor Eidgahs were common, massive crowds gathered in open spaces and celebrations were more decentralised and informal. Now, the focus is on structured, regulated and safety-first celebrations. The announcement has quickly gained traction as hosting prayers across 900+ mosques is a logistical feat, highlighting Dubai’s ability to manage large-scale events.

The shift from open grounds to mosques reflects a significant change in tradition. The decision comes amid ongoing regional tensions, adding a layer of urgency and relevance. For residents, this directly impacts how they will celebrate one of the most important days of the year. For many residents, this year’s Eid ul Fitr may feel different. The absence of large outdoor gatherings means more localised celebrations, smaller but community-based prayer experiences and a quieter, more structured atmosphere.Yet, the core elements remain unchanged with congregational prayer, community connection and spiritual reflection. In many ways, the shift may even bring the experience closer to home, with neighbourhood mosques becoming the centre of celebration. Dubai’s Eid ul Fitr prayer plan reflects a broader reality. Large-scale public events are increasingly being designed with flexibility and resilience in mind. Whether due to health concerns, security risks or logistical challenges, authorities are adapting traditional practices to fit modern conditions. This is not about limiting celebrations but about reimagining them safely.Dubai’s decision to host Eid Al Fitr prayers across more than 900 mosques is both ambitious and strategic with a massive scale, structured execution and safety-first approach.

The crescent moon has officially been sighted, the month of fasting has wrapped up, and the beautiful, chaotic energy of Eid morning is finally here. You already know the drill. The sheer khurma is simmering on the stove, the brand-new clothes are out of their covers, and the house smells faintly of rich attar and fresh jasmine. After thirty days of waking up at ungodly hours for suhoor and reflecting on your spiritual journey, it is time to eat, celebrate, and connect with everyone you love. But before the food coma officially hits and the Eidi envelopes start getting passed around, there is one modern morning ritual you have to navigate: the massive wave of WhatsApp notifications. Your phone is going to light up with messages from aunts, cousins, childhood friends, and colleagues. Sending back a generic “Eid Mubarak” to fifty different people feels a little entirely too robotic, but trying to type out a deeply personal, poetic message for every single chat while getting dressed is practically impossible. You need good, genuine messages, and you need them ready to copy and paste. Whether you are looking for a heartfelt note for your parents, a funny text for your group chat, or the perfect short quote to pair with your Eid outfit picture on Facebook and Instagram, we have you covered. Here are the best Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 wishes, messages, and quotes to share with your loved ones today.

Heartfelt Eid Wishes for Family

Family is the absolute center of Eid. These messages are designed to be warm, full of gratitude, and perfect for the family group chat or individual texts to your parents and siblings.1. Eid Mubarak to the people who make every single festival so incredibly special. May our home always be filled with this much laughter and love. 2. Wishing my beautiful family a joyous Eid! May Allah accept our fasts and shower our home with endless peace and prosperity this year. 3. Eid just isn’t the same without you all. Sending my warmest hugs and prayers to the best family in the world. 4. May the blessings of this beautiful day bring incredible health, wealth, and happiness to our doorstep. Eid Mubarak, Mom and Dad! 5. Here is to a day filled with extra sweet sheer khurma and even sweeter memories. Eid Mubarak to my favorite people. 6. Leaving behind the exhaustion of the month and stepping into today with pure gratitude. I am so lucky to celebrate with you all. 7. May Allah’s divine light guide our family through any dark days ahead. Wishing you all a very blessed Eid-ul-Fitr. 8. Sending so much love from my home to yours. May this Eid bring you everything you have been praying for. 9. Celebrating the spirit of Eid with the ones I love the most. May we be blessed with profound peace today and always. 10. To my siblings: Eid Mubarak! Please save some of the biryani for me, I am on my way over.

Fun and Casual Messages for Friends

Keep it light, energetic, and highly focused on the food and fun for your friends. These are perfect for a quick DM or a casual text drop.11. Eid Mubarak! May your day be entirely filled with great food, zero family drama, and pockets full of Eidi. 12. Wishing you an Eid packed with wild celebrations, endless kebabs, and a fantastic nap afterward. 13. Here is to a fresh start and a brand new chapter. May all those crazy dreams of yours turn into reality this year. Eid Mubarak, buddy! 14. Sending you massive good vibes and a virtual bowl of sheer khurma! Have a fantastic day celebrating. 15. May this Eid give you the strength to chase your biggest goals and the patience to deal with all the nosy relatives today. 16. Fasting is over, feasting begins! Wishing you a very Happy Eid. Let’s catch up and celebrate properly this weekend. 17. May the joy of this festival fill up both your heart and your bank account. Have a highly prosperous Eid! 18. Wishing you a day that’s loud, bright, and completely unforgettable. Keep shining, my friend. 19. Eid Mubarak! May your outfit look flawless and your makeup stay perfectly intact all day. 20. To my favorite partner in crime: May this Eid bring us even more ridiculous memories and amazing food.

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Short Quotes for WhatsApp Status and Facebook

Need a quick caption for your festive outfit picture or a snapshot of your gorgeous henna? These short, aesthetic quotes work perfectly for your social media updates.21. Embracing the blessings, the food, and the beautiful chaos. Eid Mubarak 2026! ✨ 22. May the light of the moon bring triumph and peace into all our lives this year. � � 23. Fasting is over; the feasting has officially commenced. � �🌿 24. May this Eid usher in a heavy dose of peace, prosperity, and positivity. � � 25. Stepping into the holiday with a heart full of gratitude and a plate full of biryani. Eid Mubarak! � � 26. Wishing everyone a year as rich in joy as today’s dessert spread. � � 27. Grateful for the month that passed, excited for the day ahead. Eid Mubarak to all! � � 28. May the vibrant glow of the festival light up your path to success this year. � � 29. Dressed up, feeling festive, and ready for whatever this beautiful day brings. � � 30. Let the celebrations begin. Wishing peace and love to everyone celebrating today.

Traditional and Spiritual Eid Greetings

For older relatives, colleagues, or community groups, a touch of respect, cultural depth, and spirituality is always the right approach.31. May Allah accept our good deeds, forgive our transgressions, and ease the suffering of all people around the globe. Eid Mubarak. 32. On this sacred day, may the divine grace of the Almighty always protect you and your family. Have a deeply spiritual and joyful Eid. 33. I pray your life is constantly filled with the light of knowledge and the warmth of divine love. Wishing you a blessed Eid-ul-Fitr. 34. Let us welcome this day by letting go of past grievances and trusting completely in the divine will. Have a peaceful celebration. 35. May the profound blessings of the season surround you today and always. Have a wonderful, highly traditional Eid. 36. Hoping the dawn of this Eid brings an abundance of tranquility and spiritual wealth into your home. 37. May the festival of Eid bring you luck, joy, and the inner strength to face all of life’s challenges with unshakeable faith. 38. Sending you my most sincere wishes for a year filled with divine blessings, good fortune, and holistic well-being. 39. May your home resonate with the joy of festive prayers and the laughter of loved ones today. 40. As we celebrate the end of Ramadan, may your personal world be filled with endless light and peace. Eid Mubarak to you and yours.Taking just two minutes to copy and send the right message makes the people in your life feel valued and remembered on a busy holiday.

NEW DELHI: Lockie Ferguson will miss the early part of IPL 2026 as he chooses to spend time with his family after recently becoming a father. The fast bowler, who plays for Punjab Kings, is expected to join the squad later in the tournament after taking a short break from cricket.Ferguson explained his decision. “Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help my wife out,” he said ahead of the 3rd T20I against New Zealand, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. “I’ll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter.”

He had earlier taken only a brief break during the T20 World Cup 2026, spending just a few days with his family before returning to play. Now, he wants a longer rest to balance personal life and cricket. Ferguson said he still enjoys representing the New Zealand national cricket team, adding, “Always a pleasure playing for the Black Caps, really enjoyed my time in India with the group again.” In his absence, Punjab Kings may turn to players like Ben Dwarshuis, along with other pace options in their squad.

Commitment to New Zealand and future goals

Ferguson made it clear he is not stepping away from international cricket. He said, “They thought this was my last game (laughs). No, I’m still very committed to play for New Zealand.”Looking ahead, he is focused on upcoming global tournaments and added, “Looking forward to the next two World Cups, there’s a great opportunity for our squad.” He also mentioned working hard to stay fit and contribute to the team.On the growth of cricket, Ferguson supported the idea of a franchise T20 league in New Zealand, saying, “I think it’s exciting that there’s a prospect at a franchise tournament,” and highlighted the country’s talent and potential to showcase its cricket on a bigger stage.