Bigg Boss 16 fame Manya Singh, who is currently stuck in Dubai, shared a video on her social media account a few hours ago. She posted the video after her return flight was suspended due to rising tensions in parts of the Middle East.Manya shared a video on her Instagram account to update her fans about the situation she is currently facing. In the video, she said she heard blast-like sounds near her hotel and felt scared, especially because her room is on a higher floor.She said in her video, “Hi guys, so here’s an update. Ever since yesterday, the situation has slightly improved, and people are out. Last night was difficult because I could hear the blasts, and today, around 9 o’clock, I heard another blast near my hotel. It’s scary for me because I am on the 65th floor, and as you can see, it’s a busy city. For now, the airline has not said anything, but the hotel has informed us that there is an evacuation underway. Dubai Airport is shut,” she said in the video.”She also talked about the uncertainty around travel plans, saying that transport services are limited and she doesn’t know where they will be taken next.She added, “Abu Dhabi Airport is also shut, but there are a few flights they are arranging for respective countries. So now we have to check out from here, and the transport vehicles are down. We have to take these vehicles, and I have no idea where they are going to take us. So, let’s hope for the best. I’ve always heard that you just have to hope for the best.”Take a look In an exclusive conversation with Bombay Times, she spoke about the situation and shared, “Manya travelled to the UAE on February 26 to attend a college conference as a keynote speaker. Speaking to us from Dubai, she says, “Everybody else left on the night of the 27th, but I decided to stay back. I had booked a 2.50 pm flight on February 28 from Abu Dhabi.” Her flight was subsequently suspended, leaving her stranded. The situation here is extremely tense.”She also described a close call regarding her accommodation. She says, “I was initially meant to stay at Fairmont The Palm, as the airport authorities were arranging rooms for stranded passengers. However, they couldn’t secure one for me there. About half an hour later, we heard that the hotel had been attacked (reportedly hit by debris from a missile intercepted by the UAE’s defences). It’s right opposite CIEL Dubai Marina, where I’m currently staying.”With inputs from ANI.

Amid the ongoing debate around actors demanding fixed 8–9 hour shifts, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha weighed in during a recent chat, offering a measured and practical take on the controversy. When asked whether he would be okay signing an actor who insists on working only 8 or 9 hours a day, Sinha said the answer is simple.

Amid the ongoing debate around actors demanding fixed 8–9 hour shifts, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha weighed in during a recent chat, offering a measured and practical take on the controversy. When asked whether he would be okay signing an actor who insists on working only 8 or 9 hours a day, Sinha said the answer is simple.“Actors are different people. Good actors are different personalities — and that’s fine. Acting is perhaps the toughest art form in the history of art. Every other art form deals with some kind of hardware. Even in singing, you use your voice physically. Acting is the only art form that doesn’t rely on a physical instrument in that sense. So actors are wired differently,” he told Shubhankar Mishra.

He added bluntly, “If an actor wants to work six hours a day and you’re not okay with it, then don’t work with that actor. It’s as simple as that.”

On Rishi Kapoor’s ‘no night shoots’ condition during Mulk

Recalling his experience with the late Rishi Kapoor while shooting Mulk, Sinha revealed how conditions on set are often a matter of negotiation rather than confrontation.“Yes, Chintu ji told me after reading the script of Mulk that he didn’t want to do night shoots. I told him, ‘But Chintu ji, night scenes are important.’ So we negotiated. He said he would do four night shoots. I agreed.”But filmmaking rarely sticks to plan.“Later during the shoot, I told him, ‘Sir, it’s become five nights.’ He said, ‘What happened?’ But we managed.”Sinha made it clear there was no bitterness. “I badly wanted Rishi Kapoor in that film, and I had no problem adjusting. I had a wonderful experience working with him. He also had a good time.”He fondly recalled meeting Kapoor after his treatment in New York at Amitabh Bachchan’s Diwali party. “He even suggested we shoot one more scene for Thappad with Taapsee, saying he would quietly walk in from behind. That was my last meeting with him. I found a friend in him — just because he didn’t want to shoot nights doesn’t make him difficult.”Then, with characteristic candour, he added, “And by the way, I don’t like shooting nights either. Am I not allowed that?”

On Deepika Padukone debate: ‘Why create a controversy?’

Sinha also addressed the larger conversation around actors’ working hours, especially in the wake of discussions surrounding Deepika Padukone opting out of projects.“I don’t believe in gossip. I’ve never really worked with Deepika, barely met her once at a party years ago. But I asked people who have worked with her, and they said she’s a delightful actress to work with,” he said.

He questioned the need to turn professional disagreements into public spats. “If any actor’s demands are unreasonable, don’t work with them. Why create a controversy? Every household has disagreements, but you don’t go to the terrace and shout about it.”Calling the debate overblown, he continued, “I think it’s unfair the way this has been blown up. If you don’t like an actor, fire them. Actors and directors have been fired before — it happens. It should remain between the concerned people.”He also underlined the practical realities of the profession. “People can have working conditions. An actor stands in front of the camera. They have to look good on a 50–60 foot screen. If there are eye bags, they look huge. So yes, working hours matter. These issues can easily be resolved privately.”

‘No need to turn everything into a public spectacle’

When asked about controversies escalating on social media, Sinha remained firm.“That’s unnecessary. If you don’t want to work with someone, don’t. Why make statements? These topics can be avoided. There’s no need to turn everything into a public spectacle.”

India faces a higher import burden when global prices rise, along with possible inflationary effects. (AI image)

Internationally, oil prices have risen by around 9-10% following Israel-US strikes on Iran, and amid the rising tensions in the Middle East are likely to remain elevated. Does that mean that petrol and diesel prices in India will go up?Brent crude, the international benchmark, moved close to $80 per barrel, while US crude futures advanced 8.6 per cent to $72.79, compared with roughly $67 on Friday.India, which meets about 88% of its crude oil demand through imports before refining it into fuels such as petrol and diesel, faces a higher import burden when global prices rise, along with possible inflationary effects.

Middle East tensions: Will petrol, diesel prices go up?

Despite the sharp increase in global oil prices, retail petrol and diesel prices in India are not expected to be revised upward in the immediate future, according to a PTI report.According to sources quoted in the report, the government is maintaining a calibrated approach that allows oil marketing companies to improve margins during periods of lower international prices while protecting consumers when global rates increase.Also Read | Middle East oil shock risks: How much do China, India, Japan depend on Middle Eastern crude, gas?Pump prices for petrol and diesel have remained unchanged since April 2022. During this period, state-run retailers including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd have absorbed losses when crude prices were elevated and benefited when prices declined.As a result, domestic fuel prices have stayed steady even when global fuel rates climbed due to higher crude costs. Likewise, when international fuel prices softened in line with lower crude, retail rates in India did not see a reduction.Sources added that the government intends to continue shielding consumers under this policy framework, unless crude prices witness an exceptionally sharp surge.With assembly elections approaching in key states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam, the government is keen to avoid developments that could provide political ammunition to the opposition, the report said.

India assesses oil security

Amid intensifying hostilities in the Middle East, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday assessed the crude oil, LPG and petroleum products situation in a meeting with senior officials from his ministry and executives of public sector oil companies.

Importance of Hormuz for global oil flows

Much of India’s crude oil and gas supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian authorities have threatened to close following US and Israeli strikes.“They have sufficient buffers to manage this kind of price spike,” a source with direct knowledge of the matter said, referring to oil companies. “We witnessed crude touching $119 per barrel in June 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That year their profits were modest, but in FY24 they recorded a record profit of Rs 81,000 crore.”Should interruptions continue, cargoes may need to be diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in longer transit durations and higher transportation expenses, along with increased freight and insurance costs.According to media accounts, the ongoing hostilities have in effect shut down the Strait of Hormuz, the vital artery for worldwide energy transportation. Nearly one-third of global seaborne crude oil exports and around 20 per cent of liquefied natural gas cargoes pass through this narrow channel.Also Read | 1970s-style oil shock loading? Crude may hit $100 if Strait of Hormuz shuts amid Middle East tensions – what it means

Dhanush’s highly anticipated film ‘Kara’ is set for a worldwide theatrical release on April 30, exciting fans with a striking new poster. Directed by Vignesh Raja, the movie features Dhanush as a cotton farmer entangled in a revenge-driven, suspenseful thriller with a strong ensemble cast. This release marks a significant point in Dhanush’s upcoming projects.

Dhanush officially announced that his much-awaited film Kara will hit theatres worldwide on April 30, putting an end to the long wait for fans. The actor shared a striking new poster on social media, keeping the message short and powerful while confirming the date and triggering instant excitement online. The announcement has turned the film into one of the most anticipated summer releases, with trade circles already expecting a strong opening.A rooted and intense characterDirected by Vignesh Raja of Por Thozhil fame, the film presents Dhanush in a raw and earthy role. He plays Karasaami, a cotton farmer — a man who walks into violence while taking on powerful enemies. The glimpse of the story suggests a protagonist haunted by past demons, ready to pay the price for his transgressions. The intense emotions, rural backdrop, and revenge theme promise a nail-biting, suspenseful thriller.

Strong cast and familiar teamKara boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Mamitha Baiju, K. S. Ravikumar, Jayaram, Suraj Venjaramoodu, M. S. Bhaskar, Karunas, Sreeja Ravi, and Prithvi Pandiarajan. The music is composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, continuing his successful collaboration with Dhanush, while Theni Eswar handles the cinematography and Sreejith Sarang takes care of the editing. The film is written by Vignesh Raja along with Alfred Prakash.What’s next for DhanushAlongside Kara, the actor has already begun work on his next big project, tentatively titled D55. The film recently commenced with a traditional launch and has created significant buzz as it brings Dhanush together with Mammootty for the first time. With the April 30 release now confirmed, Kara becomes the immediate focus and a crucial film in Dhanush’s upcoming line-up.

EPFO interest rate (AI image)

EPFO interest rate FY 2025-26: The central government has decided to keep the annual interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund deposits unchanged at 8.25 per cent for the financial year 2025–26, the Ministry of Labour and Employment said. The move is expected to benefit crores of workers by reinforcing their retirement savings.The rate will be formally notified by the Government of India, after which the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation will credit the interest to subscribers’ accounts.The announcement followed the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees of EPF, chaired in New Delhi by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday.The ministry said that despite prevailing global uncertainties, EPFO has upheld sound financial management, enabling it to offer steady and competitive returns without placing undue pressure on its interest reserves. EPFO has managed to maintain an interest rate above 8 per cent in recent years, supported by healthy earnings from exchange-traded funds and other investments. As part of ongoing reforms, the Board also cleared a one-time Amnesty Scheme aimed at resolving compliance issues involving income tax-recognised trusts that have yet to obtain coverage or exemption under the EPF & MP Act, 1952, taking into account provisions of the Finance Act, 2026.The proposed scheme offers a six-month window for establishments and trusts to regularise their status. It is primarily designed to safeguard employees’ interests and includes waiver of damages, interest and penalties in cases where trusts have already provided benefits matching or exceeding statutory requirements. The scheme permits retrospective relaxation or exemption subject to specific conditions and ensures that eligible workers receive mandated benefits.The initiative is expected to settle more than 100 ongoing litigation matters, along with several additional cases, benefiting thousands of trust members. It will apply to exempted establishments that have complied with the provisions of the EPF & MP Act, 1952.The ministry also said the Board approved a new simplified standard operating procedure on EPF exemption. This framework merges four existing SOPs and the Exemption Manual into a single, comprehensive system aimed at easing compliance requirements. The revised SOP introduces a complete digital process for surrendering exemptions and transferring past accumulations. The technology-driven approach is intended to enhance transparency and efficiency in auditing exempted establishments. The unified system is expected to support ease of doing business, enable paperless operations, speed up processing of exemption-related cases and encourage compliance through risk-based online audits.EPFO functions as a social security institution tasked with providing provident fund, pension and insurance benefits to workers in the organised sector across the country.

The first Lunar Eclipse of the year is going to occur on March 3, 2026. This will be the rare celestial event and why is it so rare because it will take place on the day of major Hindu festival i.e., on Holi. This is a significant astronomical Phenomenon that occurs when the Earth blocks the Moon’s light from reaching the Sun. The Earth is therefore positioned between the Sun and the other two heavenly bodies in a straight line.

What is Lunar Eclipse?

When the Earth obstructs the Moon’s light from reaching the Sun, Chandra Grahan occurs. This happens when the Earth is at the center of the straight line formed by the Sun, Earth, and Moon. when some of the Sun’s direct light is blocked from reaching the full moon’s surface by the Earth, either entirely or partially.

Chandra Grahan effects on pregnant women

According to traditional Hindu belief, Chandra Grahan is an extremely sensitive time specially for the pregnant women. This event is connected to Rahu and Ketu planet and they are the main cause of the eclipse. Pregnancy phase is super sensitive, sacred and delicate and women should take extra care during this time period. According to the elders, pregnant women should be careful and follow some important guidelines during the eclipse time. While modern science does not suggest any guideline as there is no harmful effects of an eclipse on pregnancy. But every celestial event has a good or bad effect on an individual.

Expected Mother and The Moon

As we all know that Moon is connected with the water, emotions, thoughts, mind, sensitivity, intuition, and mothers are also associated with the Moon so it will definitely have an impact on pregnant mothers because during this time period pregnant women are very sensitive when bad energies can affec them very easily so it is important for them to be careful during this time period. At the time of Lunar Eclipse, the moon is not in its own energy and it is highly affected by Rahu and Ketu planet and these are considered as malefic planets so you can imagine the impact of this on expected mothers. They should be spiritual protected during this time and for that they are advised to follow certain do’s and don’ts. You can scroll down the content and check the important guidelines for pregnant women.

Lunar Eclipse 2026: Do’s and don’ts for pregnant women during Chandra Grahan:

1. Pregnant women are suggested to stay indoor during the eclipse for their own protection. In order to protect their unborn baby’s well being and health, they should stay inside and and take extra precautions during an eclipse. 2. Pregnant women should avoid eating and drinking during the time of Lunar Eclipse. Even after the eclipse, they should not eat the food, which was prepared before the eclipse. 3. Pregnant women must avoid physical work during the eclipse time. 4. Expected mothers should take bath after the eclipse and add few drops of Gangajal in your water then take bath. If you don’t have Gangajal then you can cleanse yourself by adding rock salt in the water. 5. During the time of eclipse, expected mothers should sit at a quiet place or even on bed in sukhasana, keep a coconut filled with water in their lap and spend their time while chanting mantras, reading scriptures and doing meditation. This will not affect you and your baby. 6. Make sure you don’t sleep during the time of Eclipse as it is considered inauspicious. 7. You can chant mantras that can provide protection to your and your unborn child and these mantras can be:

8. Expected mothers can also recite these below mentioned scriptures and books, which will provide them protection from any harmful energy.

Pakistan condemned Iran’s strikes on Saudi Arabia and voiced firm solidarity with Riyadh. Despite a 2025 defence pact, analysts expect Islamabad to pursue diplomacy and logistical support rather than direct military involvement, due to its domestic and regional constraints. The agreement centres on conventional cooperation and explicitly excludes nuclear guarantees.

Iran’s recent retaliatory drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia and key oil refinery sites amid joint US-Israel attacks and Ayatollah Khamenei’s killing, has sparked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has condemned Tehran’s “dangerous escalation” and pledged “full solidarity” with Riyadh and Gulf states.As the situation continues to escalate with Iran continuing its missile and drone barrage, questions are being raised whether Islamabad’s reaction will go beyond verbal admonishment given its 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Riyadh .

Saudi cities, Aramaco oil refinery attacked

​The strikes were part of a wider Iranian wave hitting UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai), Qatar (Doha), Bahrain (Manama), and Oman (Duqm port), spiking oil prices 10-15%. Saudi Patriots intercepted most threats.

Pakistan’s reaction

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to convey Islamabad’s position on the escalating situation.Posting on X, Sharif said, “This evening, I spoke with my dear brother, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to express Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the dangerous regional escalation that followed the Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent strikes in the Gulf region.”He added that Pakistan stands “in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the sisterly Gulf states during this difficult time”.Sharif further said that Pakistan is fully prepared to play a constructive role for peace and expressed hope that the holy month of Ramadan would bring tranquillity and stability to the region.But will Islamabad dispatch jets, troops, or nukes?

What the defence pact says

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalised the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September 2025, a pact treating aggression against one as an attack on both.Core provisions

​Will Pakistan step up?

The pact’s collective defense clause treats aggression against one as an attack on both, building on decades of military ties. Yet, core provisions emphasise conventional cooperation — joint exercises, intelligence sharing, drones — without nuclear commitments. PM Sharif’s call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged “full solidarity” and peace mediation, not jets or troops. Experts say dispatching forces could drag Pakistan into a multi-front war, straining its economy and exposing vulnerabilities amid domestic woes.“The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact is more of a political and strategic partnership rather than a classical defence pact akin to NATO. Pakistan has publicly condemned the Iranian attack on the Saudis and expressed solidarity and nothing beyond that. Pakistan in no way will get into any kind of military involvement as it has enough on its hand both externally with Afghanistan and internally with TTP and BLA. This once again exposes the double standards which Pakistani leadership has been exhibiting from time to time,” said Major General Rajan Kochar (Retd).Experts add that Islamabad will likely stick to diplomacy, logistics aid, or overflight rights — bolstering Riyadh without boots on ground.

China on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that the escalating conflict could spread across the neighbouring countries after Iran’s retaliation against US bases in the Gulf region.“The most urgent task is an immediate cessation of military operations and preventing a spread and spillover of conflict,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a news conference, urging “a resolution through dialogue and negotiation.”

Beijing confirmed that one Chinese national was killed in Tehran during the US strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mao said the foreign ministry, along with the Chinese embassy in Iran, was providing necessary assistance to the individual’s family, without revealing personal details.Ramping up its evacuation efforts, China has advised its citizens in Iran to leave “as soon as possible,” listing four land routes — to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, and Iraq.More than 3,000 Chinese nationals have already left Iran, while Chinese citizens in Israel were urged to move to safer areas or cross into Egypt via the Taba border.China condemned the US-led military strikes as violations of international law, stating they were “not authorised by the United Nations Security Council.” Beijing also called for an emergency session of the Security Council, asserting that the “sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all Gulf countries should also be fully respected.”China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, in a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Sunday, also pressed for calm amid the worsening crisis.The “blatant killing of a sovereign leader and the incitement of regime change were unacceptable,” Wang said, calling for an “immediate ceasefire and resumption of talks to avoid a wider regional conflict.”China’s state-run Xinhua news agency went further in its commentary, calling the attack “brazen aggression against a sovereign nation” and “power politics and hegemony.” It said Washington’s actions were a “flagrant violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and a departure from fundamental norms of international relations.”In its Monday statement, Beijing reiterated its “deep concern over the spillover effects of the conflict affecting neighbouring countries.”The foreign ministry also warned Chinese nationals against travelling to the region as reports emerged of injuries and stranded citizens.The ongoing conflict has triggered widespread flight disruptions across the Middle East.Despite rising tensions, Mao confirmed that communication between Beijing and Washington remains active ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China from March 31 to April 2, saying both sides were “maintaining communication regarding the interactions between the leaders of the two countries.”

Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: A blistering 97* from Sanju Samson powered India to a thrilling five-wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, sealing their place in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. Under pressure and with his spot in the XI questioned after a lean run, Samson delivered when it mattered most in the Super Eight clash.Chasing under tricky conditions with dew setting in, India stayed on course thanks to a composed yet attacking effort from the wicketkeeper-batter. Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls is now the highest score in a successful run chase for India in T20 World Cups, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous record. He struck the winning runs and, as he walked back, skipper Suryakumar Yadav removed his cap and bowed to him in a heartwarming gesture.

In a video released by the BCCI, Suryakumar was effusive in his praise for Samson, even prompting a hilarious response from the match-winner.“Rulayega kya pagle? (Do you want to see me tear up?),” Samson quipped as his captain continued to shower him with compliments.Suryakumar reiterated the belief he has long held about Samson and revealed what the batter had told the team when he rejoined the side.“I always say good things happen to good people and at the right time. No better time, no better stage for someone like him to step up and give the team what the team required. The moment he came into the side, I think the first thing that he said amongst the group when we sat together was, let’s do something which the team wants, not what you want,” said Suryakumar.The skipper chose not to dwell too much on Samson’s difficult phase — being in and out of the side and batting out of position — but acknowledged the mental strength behind the knock.“In life, we’ve seen so many things, so many ups and downs. I don’t want to take you back to what happened in the whole year, losing his position, batting out of position, and then coming back batting at the same position.”He emphasised that such performances define ICC tournaments and lauded the courage shown by Samson on the big stage.“It’s not easy to win the World Cup. The World Cups, the ICC tournaments, the games which you play in ICC tournaments are won by courageous people, and this was a courageous knock. He can already get carried away by a good start, but then the way he was batting, he held one side together, took the team through. And he deserves all the credit. I’m very happy for him, his wife, his family back home, and all the people who love him, support him. We’re just one more step closer. Hopefully, this may continue. I have a lot of things to say, but then, I’m very happy. He deserves everything,” said Suryakumar.India now move a step closer to the title, riding on a knock that could well go down as one of their finest in T20 World Cup history.India will now face England in the semifinal of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.