NEW DELHI: WhatsApp has introduced accounts that parents can create and control for children under 13, with restrictions that limit usage mainly to messaging and calling, the company stated in a blog post.“Parent-managed accounts allow pre-teens to communicate with their family and close friends on WhatsApp with parental supervision,” the company said. The move by the Meta-owned messaging platform marks a significant shift for the app, which earlier maintained a minimum age requirement of 13 in India, and higher in some regions.Managed accounts come with built-in parental controls and several restrictions. Users do not have access to features such as Meta AI, Channels, Status updates, Chat Lock, App Lock, linked devices, location sharing, view-once messages or disappearing messages in individual chats. WhatsApp also said ads would not be shown.Privacy settings on these accounts are automatically restricted so that only saved contacts can see information such as profile photos or last-seen status, and only parents can change these settings. By default, only saved contacts can send messages and group participation is also controlled by parents. Messages or group invites from unknown contacts go to a ‘Requests’ folder that requires parental approval.The parental controls are protected by a 6-digit PIN that is required to make any setting changes.To set up the account, parents must install WhatsApp on the child’s phone and tap ‘More options’, and then select “Create a parent-managed account”. After registering the child’s phone number and confirming their age, the account must be linked to the parent’s WhatsApp by scanning a QR code. The parent then verifies their identity and creates the PIN.WhatsApp said the rollout of these accounts will happen gradually, and the feature will work on both Android and iPhone devices.

A US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra in Iraq on Wednesday, claiming the life of an Indian crew member. Another ship, Malta-flagged ‘Zefyros’ owned by a Greek entity, was also attacked.Safesea Vishnu was chartered by an Iraqi company contracted with the State Organisation for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), Zefyros was loaded with condensate products from Basra Gas Company and was in a ship-to-ship loading area in Iraqi waters. The incident occurred at Iraq’s Umm Qasar anchorage during a fuel cargo transfer with the Safesea Vishnu tanker late on Wednesday, Benetech Shipping SA said.The Indian embassy in Iraq has confirmed that “a US-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked near Basra in which one Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life.” In a series of posts on X, the mission said, “The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place”. The mission also noted that the “embassy of India Baghdad is in regular contact with Iraqi authorities and rescued Indian sailors and is offering all possible assistance”. All 23 crew members of tanker Zefyros are safe and accounted for, authorities said.In response to the deteriorating security situation, oil terminals at Iraqi ports on Thursday suspended operations. Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the state-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq, confirmed to the Iraqi News Agency that “the operation of oil ports has been suspended”, though commercial ports continue to function.Earlier, a Thai vessel bound for the Kandla port in Gujarat was attacked in the Strait on Wednesday, prompting criticism from New Delhi. “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict,” the foreign ministry said on Wednesday, adding that its citizens had also died.Earlier, the Indian govt said that at present 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the Strait with 101 Indian seafarers onboard. The ministry said their safety and security was being actively monitored.

Meta, in one of the largest coordinated takedowns of online scam networks, has disabled more than 150,000 accounts across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, linked to criminal scam centres operating out of Southeast Asia. The social media giant also says that its crackdown has helped put 21 people behind bars.The company announced that the action was the result of a week-long joint operation in Bangkok involving Meta, the Royal Thai Police Anti-Cyber Scam Center (ACSC), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the US Department of Justice Scam Center Strike Force, alongside law enforcement agencies from more than a dozen countries. “These operations cause real harm — they upend lives, destroy trust, and are deliberately designed to avoid detection and disruption. The work to protect people against scammers is never done, and requires ongoing collaboration with partners across the tech industry and law enforcement to ensure a safer experience for everyone online,” the company said.It marks the second such coordinated crackdown since a pilot operation in December, and represents a significant escalation in the global effort to combat industrialised online fraud.

What these scam networks were doing

Meta says that the accounts removed were connected to large-scale scam centre operations primarily based in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. These are described as full-scale criminal businesses, complete with staffing structures, scripts, quotas, and systems specifically designed to evade detection. Their targets span multiple continents, with victims identified across the US, the UK, and countries throughout Asia and the Pacific.The company says that throughout the week, partners shared intelligence in real time, allowing investigators to reveal the full picture of criminal networks operating across borders. Based on the intelligence shared during the operation, Meta’s investigators identified and disabled over 150,000 accounts associated with scam centre activity.Meta says that the scale of this operation dwarfs the December pilot which resulted in the removal of 59,000 accounts, Pages, and Groups from Meta’s platforms and led to six arrest warrants. Meta described the December pilot as proving “a powerful and replicable model for partnering with law enforcement to enforce against organised online crime.”

Representative AI image (Credit: Chatgpt)

The narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery of the global energy system have become the epicentre of the latest shock to oil markets as the US-Israeli war on Iran escalates. Tankers are anchored, refineries are struggling to ship fuel, and some of the world’s biggest oil producers are cutting output as storage tanks fill up.The conflict has effectively blocked the strategic shipping route. With vessels avoiding the corridor due to security risks and energy infrastructure under attack, with several reports warning that the disruption could become one of the most serious supply shocks in decades.

As the crisis ripples through global markets, governments and energy agencies are scrambling to contain the fallout from releasing emergency oil reserves to imposing price caps and restricting exports, while businesses and consumers brace for rising energy costs.

The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the most strategically important waterways in the world.The narrow shipping corridor normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Tankers transport crude from major Gulf producers to markets across Asia, Europe and North America.But the escalation of the US–Iran conflict 2026 has effectively shut the route. Since the war began on February 28 with joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, tanker movement through the strait has slowed dramatically. Many vessels are avoiding the corridor entirely due to security risks, with several tankers already attacked since the conflict began. Hundreds of ships are currently anchored on both sides of the waterway as shipping companies and oil traders wait for signs that navigation through the strait may resume safely.

Strait of Hormuz

Oil producers forced to cut output

The disruption has quickly affected production across the Gulf.Top Middle East producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait have begun reducing output at their oilfields.With tankers unable to load crude for export, companies have been forced to divert oil into storage. However, storage facilities across the region are nearing capacity after nearly 10 days of shipping disruptions.Once storage tanks fill up, producers have little choice but to slow or halt production. This scenario threatens to tighten global oil supply sharply if exports do not resume soon.

Oil infrastructure and refineries under attack

The war has also damaged key energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. Some refineries have been directly hit during the conflict.The 380,000-barrel-per-day Sitra refinery operated by Bapco Energies in Bahrain was struck and declared force majeure earlier this week.Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco had shut its largest refinery at Ras Tanura which also hosts the kingdom’s biggest marine export terminal after a drone strike from Tehran.These disruptions have further limited the region’s ability to process and export fuel products.Kuwait’s massive Al Zour Refinery, which processes about 615,000 barrels per day and supplies jet fuel to Europe and Africa, has also been affected as shipping routes remain blocked. Even if hostilities ease soon, repairing damaged infrastructure and restarting production could take weeks.Tanker traffic through the strait has stopped, insurance costs have gone up, and big shipping companies have stopped crossing. Over 400 oil and product tankers are sitting still in the Gulf, and some vessel tracking shows that flows through Hormuz are much lower than usual.

Emergency oil reserves considered

With global supplies tightening rapidly, the International Energy Agency is preparing an emergency response.The agency is expected to recommend releasing around 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, the largest such move in its history. Emergency stockpiles are designed to cushion the global economy from sudden supply shocks.However, the spare production capacity may not be enough to fully offset the disruption if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.Until shipping resumes, refineries around the world will likely rely on existing inventories to continue producing fuel for transport, industry and power generation.

Oil and gas prices surge

Energy prices have already surged sharply since the conflict began. Oil briefly climbed to about $119 a barrel earlier this week the highest level since 2022, as traders reacted to the supply disruption. Although prices later eased slightly, analysts warn that prolonged disruption could drive crude significantly higher.If supply losses persist, prices may rise until higher energy costs reduce demand, a process economists often describe as “demand destruction.” The impact is not limited to crude oil. Prices for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, natural gas, petrochemicals, fertilisers and electricity have all risen sharply since the war began, according to Reuters reports.Shipping costs have also surged as insurers and freight operators price in the risk of attacks on vessels passing through the Gulf.

Asia faces the biggest risk

Asian economies are considered the most vulnerable to supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz. Many countries across the region rely heavily on imports of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and refined fuel from the Middle East.Only the Strait of Malacca, between Malaysia and Indonesia, sees more tanker traffic than Hormuz. With the Gulf corridor disrupted, governments across Asia are scrambling to manage the impact.

China has asked refiners to halt fuel exports to secure domestic supply. South Korea has imposed price caps on fuel for the first time in three decades.Meanwhile, Bangladesh has shut universities temporarily in an effort to conserve electricity and fuel.

Limited alternatives to bypass Hormuz

Some Gulf producers have limited options to bypass the strait using pipelines.Saudi Arabia has been pumping crude through its East-West pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The pipeline can transport up to 5 million barrels per day.However, Yanbu has rarely loaded more than 2.5 million barrels per day, limiting its ability to fully replace exports through Hormuz.

The United Arab Emirates also operates the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline known as the “Habshan-Fujairah pipeline” which can carry about 1.5 million barrels per day from inland oilfields to the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.While these pipelines provide partial alternatives, they cannot fully replace the massive volumes that normally pass through the strait.Another sign of how messed up the market has become is that buyers are paying more for barrels that can load outside of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal said that crude oil from Oman has gone up a lot compared to Dubai grades that are stuck on the wrong side of the chokepoint. Tankers are going to Yanbu and Fujairah instead. Petrobras says that Saudi Arabia is still keeping its promises by shipping through the Red Sea route, even though shipping costs have gone up a lot.

Rising costs for businesses and consumers

And as experts told Middle East Eye, the real squeeze may be more on refined products than on crude oil. Policymakers can point to crude oil still moving. But the economy as a whole depends on more than just oil prices. It also depends on several other factors.Higher fuel costs are pushing up inflation and increasing the cost of producing and transporting goods. Food prices are also rising as fertiliser and transportation costs climb.Farmers across the Northern Hemisphere, currently preparing for planting season, are facing higher input costs due to the spike in energy prices.Businesses across sectors from aviation to manufacturing are also seeing operating costs rise.

India among the vulnerable economies?

Among major economies, India is considered particularly vulnerable to an oil shock. The country imports nearly 90% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas needs.More than 40% of India’s crude imports come from the Middle East, the region currently at the centre of the conflict.India’s oil reserves are estimated to cover only about 20 to 25 days of consumption. If high oil prices persist the country could face significant economic pressure. And a prolonged spike in oil prices could affect India’s growth, inflation and government finances.According to Reuters, economists said that an average crude price of $100 per barrel could widen India’s current account deficit to between 1.9% and 2.2% of GDP in the 2026-27 financial year.If oil prices rise to around $120 per barrel, the current account deficit could expand to roughly 3.1% of GDP.

Higher import costs have already pushed the rupee to record lows, forcing the central bank to sell dollars from its reserves to stabilise the currency.High oil prices could also increase government spending significantly. According to estimates by Mumbai-based Elara Securities, federal expenditure could rise by around 3.6 trillion rupees ($39 billion) next year if oil prices average $100 per barrel.India is targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP for the 2026-27 financial year. Maintaining that target while absorbing higher energy costs could force the government to cut spending in other areas such as infrastructure investment.

India’s economy is expected to grow more than 7% in the coming financial year. However, if oil prices remain close to $100 per barrel throughout the year, growth could slow to about 6.6% while inflation could rise to around 4.1% , according to a report by State Bank of India.

Energy supply chains under strain

Even if the conflict ends soon, restoring normal operations across the region’s energy infrastructure will take time. Damaged refineries will need repairs before they can resume full output, while other facilities may take weeks to restart.For instance, QatarEnergy’s LNG facilities could take several weeks to ramp up after a complete shutdown. Oilfields that have scaled back production will also require time to stabilise, and in some cases a loss of reservoir pressure could lead to a lasting drop in output.For now, global markets remain on edge as shipping firms, oil producers and governments closely monitor the situation for any signs that traffic through the strategic corridor could resume. Until then, the disruption risks keeping energy prices high and adding further strain to economies worldwide.

Canada flag (representative image)

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shake up global stock markets, investors are increasingly looking to Canada, a report has said, adding that the country’s main stock index – the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) – has emerged as a safe haven for investors that have been impacted by the AI-driven selloff hitting American markets.According to a report by news agency Reuters, the shares of software and technology companies are considered vulnerable to being replaced or disrupted by AI have been falling for months, dragging down major indices like the S&P 500. The Canadian market, on the other hand is dominated by banks, energy companies, miners, railways, and utilities – the kind of heavy, capital-intensive industries that are far less exposed to AI disruption. This comes as advanced AI tools like Claude caused investors to rethink the value of software companies, after one of its AI-powered solutions wiped trillions of dollars from software market – essentially ‘forcing’ investors to seek ‘shelter’ in a market defined by physical assets that a computer program cannot replace – like oil sands operation or a freight railway cannot be replaced with a chatbot.

The rise of the ‘HALO’ stocks

According to the report, the current trend is all about HALO, or Heavy Assets and Low Obsolescence, stocks. Essentially, these are businesses that own “stuff” in the real world. While the US S&P 500 is heavily weighted toward technology (only 16% HALO stocks), the TSX has 51% of its value tied to energy, metals, industrials and utilities.“The knock on the TSX forever has been that we don’t have enough tech… and that now is what everyone wants to buy,” Greg Taylor, Chief Investment Officer at PenderFund Capital Management, was quoted as saying. In 2025, the Toronto market climbed 28%, nearly doubling the 16% gain seen by the S&P 500. This outperformance is driven by two main factors. The first is safety from AI disruption, and the second is productivity boost due to AI as Canada’s big companies are using the technology to become more efficient. Citing Statistics Canada, the report said that foreign investment in Canadian stocks jumped to C$17.2 billion ($12.7 billion) in the final months of 2025, which is a 132% increase from the previous quarter. Sectors like energy have been risen 28% so far this year.

Hardeep Singh Puri speaks in Lok Sabha during Budget session of Parliament

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri told Lok Sabha on Thursday that India remains well prepared to manage disruptions in global energy supplies triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, assuring lawmakers that domestic fuel availability and power generation are fully protected, while urging to avoid rumours.Addressing the House amid protests from Opposition members, Puri said the government has ensured adequate production and alternative supply arrangements to sustain energy needs even if the conflict persists. “India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict. Power generation for every household and for industry is fully protected,” said Puri.The union minister added that the hostilities have effectively shut commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that typically carries about 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil, natural gas and LPG. Despite the disruption, with around 45 per cent of India’s crude imports earlier passing through the route, the country has managed to stabilise supplies by increasing alternative sourcing. He said that “Non-Hormuz sourcing has risen to approximately 70 per cent of crude imports, up from 55 per cent before the conflict began”.Puri attributed the resilience partly to long-term diversification of crude suppliers, noting that India now imports oil from 40 countries compared with 27 in 2006-07. He assured the House that “There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil. The availability of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil is fully assured,” adding that domestic refineries are operating at high capacity utilisation, in some cases “exceeding 100 per cent”.He furtherurged the public and political stakeholders to avoid spreading misinformation during the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict, stressing that the government’s preparedness and response mechanisms are working effectively. “This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Fuel supply is flowing, gas is prioritised for homes and farms, and LPG production has been stepped up by 28%. Consumer prices are being held far below what market trends and regional competitors would otherwise dictate. Schools are open and petrol is available at fuel stations… India must stand united behind the energy workers, behind the institutions managing the crisis, and behind the national interest. The record of preparation and the record of response speak for themselves.” he said.On natural gas supplies, the minister said the government has introduced a prioritised allocation system under the Natural Gas Control Order issued on March 9. While a major facility in Qatar has declared force majeure on 30 MMSCMD of gas imports, domestic production remains steady at 90 MMSCMD.“Domestic piped gas to homes and CNG for vehicles receive 100 per cent supply with no cuts. Industrial and manufacturing consumers will receive upto 80 per cent of their previous six-month average. Fertiliser plants will receive upto 70 per cent, protecting the agricultural input chain ahead of the sowing season. Refineries and petrochemical units absorb a managed reduction, with that gas redirected to higher-priority sectors. I am pleased to inform the House that the shortfall has been substantially offset through alternative procurement,” Puri said.The government has also taken steps to safeguard LPG availability for around 33 crore households. According to the minister, domestic LPG output has been ramped up by 28 per cent in the past five days following refinery directives. To curb hoarding and regulate demand, authorities have introduced a minimum 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings in urban areas and expanded the Delivery Authentication Code system to cover 90 per cent of consumers.Puri also clarified that the delivery cycle for domestic LPG remains unaffected. “Domestic supply is fully protected, and the delivery cycle is unchanged. The standard time from booking to delivery for domestic LPG cylinders remains 2.5 days, unchanged from pre-crisis norms,” he said.To further reduce pressure on gas supplies, the government has activated alternate fuel options. Kerosene is being made available through public distribution system channels, while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has “advised State Pollution Control Boards to permit, for the duration of this crisis period, the use of biomass, RDF pellets, and Kerosene/coal as alternate fuels for the hospitality and restaurant segment for 1 month, which would enable a wider range of establishments to switch and free up LPG for priority consumers,” Puri added.

PC: Play Station Official Website

March’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue is shaping up to be quite the treat. It seems there’s something for everyone this month, whether you’re into brutal third-person shooters, classic JRPGs, or even arcade fighting. Fans of Warhammer, NFL, and Persona might be especially excited, but there’s plenty more tucked in here. Sony’s latest State of Play announcement teased the full list, and it’s set to go live on March 17. From chaotic galactic warfare to stylish Tokyo heists, the March catalogue seems packed, diverse, and maybe even a little overwhelming for anyone who likes to play it all.There are big names, some under-the-radar gems, and one or two titles you might have forgotten existed.

PlayStation Plus games catalogue 2026 revealed

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 drops players into a galaxy under siege. You step into the armour of Space Marine Titus and face off against relentless Tyranid swarms. It’s gory, fast-paced, and reportedly packed with hundreds of enemies on screen. The campaign appears endlessly replayable, with PvE missions supporting up to three players. Six classes to choose from, each with unique skills and cosmetics. And then there’s 6v6 PvP. It seems like a game you’ll either dive into solo or lose hours coordinating with friends.The developers behind World War Z are at it again. Fans of big, messy combat might find themselves glued to the screen.

Madden NFL 26: Gridiron Upgraded

For football lovers, EA Sports Madden NFL 26 is reportedly taking the field with a new AI-driven system. Player movements and tactics are designed to reflect nearly a decade of real NFL plays. Saquon Barkley-style bursts upfield, quarterback strategy adaptations, and traits for individual players all aim to make it feel alive. It seems like a big deal for those who care about realism in sports games. The All-Madden legacy feels alive. If you’ve ever wanted to play like the pros, this might be your chance.

Persona 5 Royal: Stylish Heists

Persona 5 Royal returns with all the flair the series is known for. Tokyo feels alive, the Phantom Thieves are back, and the story is expanded with new characters, confidants, and story arcs. There’s even a grappling hook mechanic now. It seems small, but it changes how you move through dungeons. Persona 5 Royal Ultimate Edition adds extra DLC, costumes, battles, and Personas. For long-time fans, it’s basically a deluxe return trip. For newcomers, it might be a little overwhelming.

Blasphemous 2: Gothic Adventure

Blasphemous 2 takes players on a dark, punishing journey. The Penitent One awakens in a strange land and must face grotesque enemies and titanic bosses. Choices apparently matter, but there’s no “wrong” path, just one filled with brutal encounters. It is designed for those who like a challenge. Expect tight controls, dark art, and an eerie soundtrack. If gothic platforming is your thing, this one reportedly delivers.

PlayStation Plus has something for every taste

Metal Eden is reportedly a sci-fi FPS with cybernetic warfare and a suicide mission vibe. Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria lets you explore procedurally generated dwarven mines, solo or with friends. Astroneer encourages creativity with fully deformable planets, letting players reshape worlds with ease.PlayStation Plus Premium gets a classic throwback with Tekken Dark Resurrection. It seems like a fun way to relive arcade-style 3D fighting, complete with quirky modes like Tekken Bowl and the familiar story battles.

NEW DELHI: Iran on Wednesday attacked a US-owned crude oil tanker, “Safesea Vishnu,” near Iraq’s Basra, killing one Indian national.A video published by Europa Press appears to show the moment the tanker is struck after a sudden impact. The night-time footage shows the vessel set ablaze after it was reportedly hit by underwater drones.Meanwhile, the rest of the 27 crew members were rescued and taken to Basra.

This fatal attack comes as the West Asia crisis enters its 13th day. In response to the deteriorating security situation, oil terminals at Iraqi ports on Thursday suspended operations following a string of strikes on tankers near its waters.Sources close to Safesea told news agency Press Trust of India that the company was “devastated” by the loss and urged the Indian government to strongly condemn the attack and take urgent measures to ensure the safety of crew members in the region amid rising tensions in West Asia.It also noted that Indians make up over 15 per cent of the world’s seafarers, meaning that Indian nationals could become “collateral damage” in similar attacks, regardless of the ship targeted.Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Wednesday that two Indian nationals — one in Israel and another in Dubai — were injured in attacks and are now recuperating. “The welfare of our diaspora is of utmost priority to us,” he said.The ministry also said Indian missions in West Asia were coordinating with the concerned governments to help Indian nationals stranded in the region due to airspace closures.“There is very strong inter-ministerial coordination. Whenever any assistance is required, Indian missions are immediately reaching out to assist people,” the MEA said.Earlier, the shipping minister said that at present 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the strait with 101 Indian seafarers onboard. The ministry said their safety and security were being actively monitored.A 24-hour control room has been operational at the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28, 2026, to monitor developments and coordinate assistance.The ministry said it is maintaining regular interaction with industry stakeholders to provide necessary support to maritime trade and seafarers.

Arbaaz Khan shared that his father, veteran writer Salim Khan, is “improving” and may be discharged soon. The 90-year-old was hospitalised at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital on February 17 after a mild brain haemorrhage. Salim Khan, co-writer of classics like Sholay and Don, continues to recover under medical supervision.

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan is recovering well and is likely to be discharged from the hospital soon, confirmed his son Arbaaz Khan on Wednesday night. The iconic writer has been receiving treatment at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for almost a month.

Arbaaz Khan gives positive update on Salim Khan’s condition

According to News18, after attending an Iftar event in Mumbai, Arbaaz offered a health update on his father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. The actor-filmmaker assured that his father is recovering well and showing consistent progress. “He’s better now, he’s improving,” Arbaaz told reporters. When asked when Salim Khan would be discharged, he responded with a smile, “Soon.”

Salim Khan’s medical treatment and stable condition

On February 17, veteran writer Salim Khan, 90, was admitted to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital after experiencing a mild brain haemorrhage. Soon after his admission, he reportedly underwent a minor procedure and has since been kept under close observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors had described his condition as stable while continuing routine monitoring. Dr. Jalil Parkar, who is leading his treatment, previously stated that the family requested privacy, and no further medical updates will be shared.

Khan family breaks silence on Salim Khan’s health

Arbaaz Khan’s recent statement marks the first time the family has publicly spoken about Salim’s health since his hospitalisation. Until now, the Khans had chosen not to comment, maintaining privacy as several close friends and colleagues from the film fraternity visited the veteran writer. Previously, actors Aamir Khan, Chitrangda Singh, and Daisy Shah had assured fans through brief interactions that Salim Khan was recovering well.

Salim Khan’s legacy as a legendary screenwriter

Salim Khan is celebrated as one of the most influential screenwriters in the history of Hindi cinema. In collaboration with his long-time writing partner Javed Akhtar, he crafted several of Bollywood’s most iconic films, such as ‘Andaz’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Don’, and ‘Mr. India’. His storytelling defined an era of grand narratives in Indian cinema and continues to inspire writers and filmmakers even today.

The growth in local production, especially in smartphones, was supported by the government’s PLI scheme. (AI image)

The Indian government is reportedly preparing a major overhaul of its flagship smartphone manufacturing incentive programme. The ‘revamped’ flagship Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones will tie government subsidies to exports and the use of locally produced components for the first time, as per a report by Bloomberg. The move is likely to benefit Apple, Samsung and their suppliers.Citing people familiar with the matter, the report claimed that the new plan marks a departure from the existing model, which focused primarily on boosting domestic production volumes, and that the revamped scheme programme will replace the current version of which expires on March 31. The exact policy design, size of incentives, and total budget are still being finalised and could change during inter-ministerial consultations, the report said.

What is changing and why

Under the original PLI scheme, with nearly every smartphone sold in India now assembled locally, government officials believe the programme has largely fulfilled its initial goal of meeting domestic demand, the report said, citing its sources.The focus is now shifting: moving India up the manufacturing value chain, beyond what officials have described as “screwdriver assembly” – the process of putting together components that are made elsewhere. Under the new proposal, companies will be rewarded not just for how much they produce, but for how much they export and how much of the device is made in India. Furthermore, incentives are expected to be tiered: Manufacturers will receive higher subsidies if the local content goes into each device. Components such as camera modules, display assemblies and other sub-parts sourced from Indian suppliers could qualify for additional benefits. Moreover, electronic devices that meet the highest localisation thresholds and are shipped overseas could receive the maximum subsidy available.

Revamped PLI programme to benefit Samsung and Apple

The iPhone maker’s contract manufacturers – primarily Foxconn and Tata Electronics – already account for roughly three-quarters of India’s total smartphone exports, making Apple the single biggest driver of India’s emergence as a global handset export hub. Reportedly, Apple also targets to ship the majority of US-bound iPhones from India by the end of this year, a goal that would further cement India’s position as the top source of smartphones sold in the American market.Samsung is also a significant beneficiary of the existing PLI programme and is expected to feature prominently in the new one.Furthermore, the government is also using the revamped scheme as a lever to push Chinese smartphone brands, including Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi, to do more than just manufacture for the Indian domestic market.