(L-R) Varshitha, Asha, Mohan

BENGALURU: Four members of a family allegedly attempted suicide, reportedly driven to desperation by mounting debts, officials said on Sunday.Two of them died, while the other two are battling for life in hospital. The incident occurred in Mallenahalli near Attibele in Anekal taluk between 10 pm and 10.30 pm on Saturday. Relatives alleged that sustained harassment by creditors may have pushed the family to take the extreme step. The deceased have been identified as Asha (55) and her daughter Varshitha (32), who died on the spot. Mohan MR (26) and his nephew, 11-year-old Mayank, were found critically injured and were rushed to a private hospital in Attibele, where they are currently undergoing treatment. According to police, the family had recorded a video before the incident, stating that they were unable to bear the pressure from lenders and were therefore taking the extreme step. The video was shared with relatives. Neighbours who reportedly heard distressing sounds gathered at the house and found the main door locked from inside. They broke open the door and found Asha and Varshitha dead, while Mohan and Mayank were screaming in pain. The neighbours immediately rushed the injured to hospital and simultaneously alerted the police. Alarmed by the video, relatives also rushed to the house, where they found Asha and Varshitha unresponsive. Preliminary investigation by police suggests that Mohan, who was involved in a chit fund business and was overwhelmed by financial distress, may have attacked Asha, Varshitha and Mayank with a knife and slit their throats before attempting to take his own life in a similar manner. Police said both survivors suffered severe injuries and are undergoing emergency medical care. Further inquiries revealed that Varshitha had been battling a brain tumour for over a year and a half and was reportedly in critical condition. The family had incurred significant debt for her treatment, along with losses in the chit fund business, which may have contributed to the distress. A case has been registered at Attibele police station in Bengaluru Rural district, and further investigation is underway.

A month into the Middle East conflict, its ripple effects are felt across economies worldwide. The crisis was triggered on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, setting off a chain of events that has tightened Tehran’s grip over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This narrow sea passage, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, remains one of the world’s most critical energy routes. At its narrowest, it spans just 29 nautical miles, with limited navigable channels for shipping. Carrying around 20 million barrels of oil daily, nearly a quarter of global seaborne trade, any disruption here has far-reaching consequences. As supplies come under strain, countries are scrambling to manage the fallout while cushioning consumers through a mix of policy responses. While some have raised fuel prices, others restructured taxes to protect consumers.

Vietnam

Vietnam consumers have breathed a sigh of relief as the country has lowered fuel prices. Faced with a sharp spike in fuel costs, Vietnam rolled out emergency measures to bring costs under control. Authorities have suspended environmental protection taxes on petrol, diesel and aviation fuel until mid-April, in a bid to steady the domestic market. The trade ministry described the step as “an urgent and effective solution to stabilize the petroleum market and ensure national energy security amidst the escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, which is creating the ‘biggest energy bottleneck ever’.” The move has led to a steep fall in prices, with petrol dropping by roughly 26% and diesel by more than 15% after earlier surges.

Venezuela

In Venezuela, prolonged high temperatures have intensified pressure on an already strained power system, prompting the government to scale back activity. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez announced a week-long suspension of work across the public sector, including education, as part of an electricity-saving drive. “During this Holy Week, I want to announce that I have decreed days off on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the entire education sector,” she said, adding that the country had endured “45 days of high temperatures.” While essential services will remain operational, the step reflects ongoing challenges in managing electricity demand.

India

In India, the government has taken a range of steps to cushion consumers and companies from the ongoing energy supply crisis. With refining costs climbing sharply, the government reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre each, despite the impact on state revenues. At the same time, export duties were introduced on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to manage supply pressures. Officials insisted there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG, dismissing claims of disruption as a “coordinated misinformation campaign.” Domestic LPG availability remains stable, with production increased and states asked to expand commercial distribution.

Pakistan

Pakistan is facing mounting pressure from rising fuel costs, with the government adjusting prices selectively while trying to shield consumers. Kerosene prices have been increased by PKR 4.66 per litre to PKR 433.40, effective March 28, even as petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged at PKR 321.17 and PKR 335.86 per litre. Authorities said the decision aims to protect consumers from global price swings, with the state absorbing part of the burden through payments of PKR 95.59 per litre on petrol and PKR 203.88 per litre on diesel to oil marketing companies. At the same time, aviation fuel prices have surged sharply, rising for the fifth time in 28 days. A latest increase of PKR 5 per litre has pushed jet fuel to a record PKR 476.97 per litre, up from PKR 188 at the start of March — a jump of PKR 288. Airlines have already raised fares, with domestic one-way tickets on routes such as Karachi-Islamabad and Karachi-Lahore reaching up to PKR 40,000, while “chance seat” fares have surged by as much as 150%. Amid these pressures, work patterns are also adjusting in response to the energy strain, with measures aimed at reducing overall fuel consumption forming part of the wider response.

Egypt

Egypt has introduced a series of temporary restrictions to reduce energy consumption as fuel costs climb. Retail outlets, restaurants and cafes are now required to shut by 21:00 each night, alongside measures such as reduced street lighting and limited remote working. The government termed these “exceptional measures” in response to mounting pressure on energy supplies. Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly said that the country’s petrol expenditure had more than doubled in recent months. Although tourism-related businesses are exempt, the wider economy is feeling the strain, particularly due to reliance on imported fuel.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is tightening energy use as supply disruptions continue to strain the country’s fuel system. With around 60 percent of its energy imported and limited reserves covering barely a month, authorities have reintroduced a QR-based rationing system. Weekly limits have been set, including eight litres for motorbikes, 20 for tuk-tuks, 25 for cars, 100 litres of diesel for buses and 200 for lorries. Fuel prices have also risen by about 33 percent since the start of the war, adding pressure on households. To curb consumption, the government has introduced a no-work-on-Wednesday policy, shutting offices and schools on that day. Alongside fuel shortages, Sri Lankan citizens are also struggling with disrupted fertiliser supplies which could push food prices higher, with estimates pointing to a potential 15% increase, further compounding the cost-of-living strain.

Protestors in Minnesota (AP photo)

Large crowds took to the streets on Saturday across the United States and parts of Europe in “No Kings” rallies, protesting the war in Iran and the actions of president Donald Trump. From big cities to small towns, people gathered to voice anger over multiple issues, with Minnesota emerging as the centre of the protests.In St Paul, thousands packed the Capitol lawn for the flagship event. Musician Bruce Springsteen headlined the rally and praised residents for resisting a recent surge in immigration enforcement by US authorities. He performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song written after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “Your strength and your commitment told us that this was still America… this reactionary nightmare… will not stand.”In Minnesota, the main rally featured Robert De Niro, singer Joan Baez, actor Jane Fonda, and Senator Bernie Sanders. A large banner read, “We had whistles, they had guns. The revolution starts in Minneapolis.” The protests stretched across the country, from New York City to small towns like Driggs with more than 3,100 events registered across all 50 states.Most gatherings remained peaceful, but there were clashes in Los Angeles, where police used tear gas after some protesters threw objects near a federal detention centre. Authorities said arrests were made when people refused to disperse.In Washington, DC, hundreds marched past the Lincoln Memorial to the National Mall, holding signs reading “Put down the crown, clown” and chanting “No kings.”

No Kings Protest in Washington (AP photo)

The rallies drew sharp criticism from Republican leaders. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed them as the work of leftist funding networks and said they lacked real public support. The “only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them,” Jackson said in a statement. The National Republican Congressional Committee also criticised the protests. “These hate America Rallies are where the far-left’s most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone,” NRCC spokesperson Maureen O’Toole said.The protests were not limited to the US. Demonstrations were held in several countries. In Rome, crowds marched while criticising Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and opposing recent military actions involving Iran. In London, people carried signs reading “Stop the far right” and “Stand up to racism.” In Paris, several hundred people, including Americans living abroad, gathered at the Bastille.

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar 2’ continues to enjoy a strong hold at the box office. Though the action-packed spy thriller saw a drop in numbers during the weekdays, the weekend helped it regain momentum. With a net collection of over Rs 60 crores on Saturday in India, the domestic business came close to Rs 800 crore. Further, the gross domestic collection exceeded Rs 900, and the worldwide collection of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ crossed Rs 1,200 after a 10-day run at the box office.Dhurandhar 2 Movie ReviewScroll down to read in detail about the ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office performance.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 10 update

According to Sacnilk, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ earned Rs 62.85 crore on its second Saturday, March 27, 2026. This marked a rise of over 50 per cent from the previous day’s net collection of Rs 41.75 crore.