Viral Whale Video Sparks Safety Alert: Oman Authorities Say This Could Be Deadly

Oman’s Environment Authority has issued a public warning urging people not to dive near orca whales (killer whales) after a video showing a man swimming close to the massive marine predators went viral online. The authority cautioned residents and visitors that attempting to approach or film these powerful animals up close is unsafe and unpredictable and could jeopardise both human lives and wildlife wellbeing.

Why the Oman orca whale advisory came now: Viral video sparks concern

The advisory comes in response to a widely shared video that showed an individual diving close to an orca off the Omani coast in an apparent effort to film it underwater. According to local authorities, such behaviour is “incorrect and poses a serious risk to personal safety.”The Environment Authority of Oman explained that orcas, also known as killer whales, are wild animals with unpredictable behaviour and immense strength. They emphasised that orcas are not trained animals and approaching them closely in their natural habitat can trigger defensive or aggressive responses if the animals feel threatened.

Orca whale behaviour and marine safety in Oman

Orca whales (Orcinus orca) are among the most powerful predators in the ocean, known for their intelligence, cooperative hunting and dominance within marine ecosystems. While attacks on humans in the wild are rare, experts and wildlife agencies worldwide stress that close encounters with orcas should be avoided for safety reasons.The Oman warning echoes similar guidance that authorities and conservation groups give in other parts of the world, where orca sightings attract attention but require strict distance and respect to avoid startling or provoking the animals.

Oman guidelines for viewing marine wildlife safely

To balance public interest with wildlife protection, Oman’s Environment Authority urged people to:

This is not only a safety measure for humans but also supports the well-being of wildlife, since close human presence can disrupt natural behaviour or stress animals.

Marine encounters in Oman: A rare but captivating sight

Orca sightings in the Arabian Sea and Gulf region, including off the coasts of Oman and the UAE, are relatively uncommon, making them notable when they occur. Previous reports have even documented orca sightings near UAE waters, which sparked interest from conservationists and the general public alike.While orcas are not common in the Arabian Gulf, they have been seen periodically, highlighting the importance of coastal conservation efforts and public awareness around marine life.

What this means for divers and tourists in Oman

Oman’s advisory serves as a reminder to snorkellers, divers, and marine enthusiasts that wildlife encounters are best experienced cautiously and respectfully. Even curious or awe-inspiring moments should not override basic safety principles, especially with large predators that can weigh several tonnes and move unpredictably.Authorities are using the viral incident as a teaching moment where while technology and social media encourage close-up footage, safety for both humans and animals should always come first. As orca sightings capture public imagination, Oman’s Environment Authority has stepped in with a clear message: watch from afar, respect wildlife and never dive near a wild predator for a viral clip. Encouraging safe, sustainable ways to enjoy the ocean not only protects people but also preserves the natural behaviour and habitat of marine giants like the orca whale.

Suryakumar Yadav mimics Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action

NEW DELHI: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav recently copied Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s unusual bowling style during practice ahead of the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. A video of Suryakumar mimicking Tariq’s action, including his signature pause before releasing the ball, went viral on social media. Watch:On Friday, the practice session was partly affected by light rain, so the Indian team had to train indoors in Colombo.

Tariq has become a big talking point because of his rare bowling style, which uses a sidearm action and a delayed release that makes it hard for batters to judge the ball. He has played only four T20 matches for Pakistan but has attracted attention since being selected for the World Cup. Although his action was reported twice in the past, the ICC later cleared him. Because of physical issues with his elbows, he cannot bowl with a fully straight arm like normal spinners.Speaking before the match, Suryakumar compared Tariq to a tricky exam question, saying, “See, sometimes there is a question in the exam as well which is out of syllabus. So, we can’t leave that question.” He added that India won’t give up and will prepare their own way to handle him: “To tackle that, you have to adopt your own way. Yes, he is a different character when he comes to bowl. But at the same time, we can’t just surrender. We practise with similar types of bowlers and similar actions. We will try to execute what we are practising in the net sessions.”

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian student in the US, was found dead, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco said on Sunday. Saketh had been reported missing in Berkeley since the morning of February 12. In a post on X, the consulate said local police had confirmed the recovery of Saketh’s body. It added that consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services. “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time,” the consulate said. “The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services,” it added. Sreenivasaiah was pursuing a Master’s degree in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at the University of California, Berkeley. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was enrolled in the MS PDP ’26 programme at UC Berkeley and had completed a BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2025. “I’m a Master’s student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras. I’m passionate about deep-tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials,” Saketh wrote on his LinkedIn profile. According to reports, police said Sreenivasaiah was last seen near Lake Anza, in the 1700 block of Dwight Way, on Tuesday. He was described as being 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 160 pounds. Police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance but said he was considered at risk.

This year Maha Shivratri is being celebrated on February 15. The festival holds a very special place in Hindu religion. It is said to be one of the most auspicious days of the year. It is generally believed that if one offers prayer to Lord Shiva with deep belief, all wishes are granted, and if one prays in the ‘ratri prahar’ of this day, all past karmas are washed away. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in the lunar month of Phalguna and marks the marriage of Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Goddess Parvati. The festival is observed by praying to Lord Shiva and chanting prayers and mantras. People fast on this day and perform Rudra Abhishek. The Shiva Linga is bathed with milk, honey, and Ganga jal, and then unique fruits and herbs like Bhang, Dhatura, Kaner, Bel and Ber are offered to the Shiva Linga. Most people go to the temple to seek blessings.On this day people also wish each other well, and here is a list of special messages, WhatsApp statuses, and social media post content to share with your friends and family. Wishing you a blessed Maha Shivratri filled with divine grace. May Lord Shiva’s blessings shower upon you, removing all obstacles and filling your life with eternal peace.On this sacred Maha Shivratri, may Lord Shiva’s trident dispel your fears. May the year ahead bring you boundless joy, health, and spiritual enlightenment.Happy Maha Shivratri to you and your family. May Bholenath listen to your prayers and grant you strength, wisdom, and unwavering prosperity.Wishing you the divine energy of Maha Shivratri. May Lord Shiva’s third eye ignite inner light in your soul, leading to a year of triumphs and serenity.

Celebrate Maha Shivratri with devotion and love. May Mahadev bless your home with harmony, success in endeavors, and endless happiness.A joyous Maha Shivratri to you. May the destroyer of evil protect you always, ushering in a year brimming with good fortune and spiritual awakening.On Maha Shivratri, may Lord Shiva’s grace envelop you. May this holy night pave the way for health, wealth, and profound inner peace throughout the year.Wishing you a divine Maha Shivratri celebration. May Bholenath fulfill your deepest desires, blessing you with love, courage, and everlasting tranquility.Happy Maha Shivratri filled with Shiva’s blessings. May the year bring you closer to your dreams, with obstacles vanishing like darkness before dawn.May Maha Shivratri bring you infinite peace. Lord Shiva’s benevolence will guide your path, ensuring prosperity, family unity, and spiritual growth.Wishing you sacred vibes on Maha Shivratri. May God bless you and your family.On this auspicious Maha Shivratri, embrace Shiva’s grace. May the coming year overflow with joy, robust health, and unwavering faith.Happy Maha Shivratri to a devoted soul. May Lord Shiva dissolve your sorrows, gifting you wisdom, abundance, and eternal bliss.

Wishing you Maha Shivratri’s holy light. May Bholenath’s blessings ensure a year of harmonious relationships, career success, and inner strength.Celebrate the night of Shiva with pure devotion. May Mahadev shower his mercy, bringing prosperity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment to your life.A blessed Maha Shivratri awaits you. May Lord Shiva bless your life with happiness.Wishing you joyous and happy Maha Shivaratri. God bless you!On Maha Shivratri, may Shiva’s blessings flow endlessly. Lord Bholenath will fortify your spirit, ensuring love, wealth, and profound wisdom.Happy Maha Shivratri with divine energy. May Mahadev’s trident clear your path, leading to a year of endless opportunities and inner peace.

Wishing you the essence of Maha Shivratri. May Lord Shiva grant you resilience, family bliss, and a prosperous journey ahead.Embrace Maha Shivratri’s sacred aura. May Bholenath’s compassion heal your heart, bringing health, success, and spiritual enlightenment this year.A warm Maha Shivratri wish for you. May Shiva’s eternal dance inspire joy, dissolve fears, and bless you with abundance and harmony.On this holy Maha Shivratri, seek Shiva’s refuge. May the year unfold with divine favors, robust vitality, and unwavering positivity.Wishing you Maha Shivratri’s profound blessings. May Maha Shivratri ignite your soul. Bholenath’s blessings will bring strength, familial bonds, and a year of remarkable achievements.Wishing a divine Maha Shivratri celebration. May Lord Shiva bless you and your family.Wish you and your family a happy and joyous Maha shivaratri.Happy Maha Shivratri filled with grace. May Shiva’s third eye reveal truths, leading to a year of inner strength and abundance.On this sacred night, may Shiva bless you. Lord Mahadev ensures obstacles fade, replaced by love, success, and divine peace. Wishing joyous Maha Shivratri festivities. May Bhole Nath bless you and your dear ones.

Embrace Maha Shivratri’s divine call. Bholenath’s blessings will heal and uplift, promising prosperity and spiritual harmony.A heartfelt Maha Shivratri wish for you. May Lord Shiva’s drum echo victories, filling your life with health and endless joy.Happy Maha Shivratri with pure devotion. Mahadev will guard your dreams, bringing wealth, peace, and profound enlightenment.Wishing you Shiva’s eternal protection. May this Maha Shivratri herald a year of strong bonds, achievements, and inner light.On Maha Shivratri, may blessings abound. Lord Shiva dissolves darkness, gifting you courage, love, and prosperous horizons.Celebrate the night of awakening. May Bholenath’s grace ensure health, family unity, and a journey toward spiritual bliss.On this auspicious eve, seek Shiva’s mercy. The year will bloom with triumphs, love, and deep spiritual connections.Wishing you Maha Shivratri’s sacred joy. May Shiva’s trident vanquish woes, ushering in health, wealth, and peace.A divine Maha Shivratri blessing for you. Bholenath ensures resilience, family bliss, and a future radiant with success.A joyous Maha Shivratri wish awaits. May Shiva’s dance inspire harmony, vitality, and a prosperous year ahead.Happy Maha Shivratri to your spirit. Lord Shiva guides toward enlightenment, abundance, and familial joy.May Maha Shivratri awaken your soul. Bholenath’s power promises health, wisdom, and endless divine grace.On this sacred Maha Shivratri, rejoice. Shiva’s blessings pave a path of peace, triumphs, and deep devotion.Wishing you pure Maha Shivratri vibes. May Mahadev fulfill dreams, bringing prosperity and heartfelt serenity.

Man shoots ex-girlfriend, kills self in Noida car, message on phone hints at motive

NOIDA: A 32-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were found dead with gunshot wounds inside a locked car in Sector 107 on Saturday afternoon. Police are investigating the twin deaths as murder-suicide, based on a message in the man’s phone that indicated he had killed his ex-girlfriend before turning the gun on himself.The two were identified as Rekha, a resident of Salarpur in Noida, and Sumit Kumar, a resident of Trilokpuri in Delhi. Rekha worked in a private company in Sector 62, while Sumit had a mineral water plant business.The deaths were discovered around 1pm on Saturday when locals found a suspiciously parked car near Dadri Road, close to pillar no 84, police said. The vehicle had been stationary for a long time. Passersby found a man, with a gun in his hand, and a woman, bleeding and unconscious in their seats, after which they alerted the police.A team from the Sector 39 police station broke open a window and discovered both dead from head gunshot wounds. They recovered a pistol, two spent cartridges, and confirmed the weapon was illegal.Separately, police are also looking at a message purportedly typed by Sumit on WhatsApp at 3.39pm on Friday. In the message, Sumit wrote that the two had been in a relationship for 15 years and had plans to get married. However, he wrote, Rekha recently decided to marry someone else, which prompted him to take the extreme step. It was not immediately clear if he sent the message to anyone or saved it for himself. Rekha’s family, meanwhile, claimed Sumit had been harassing her and a complaint was filed in the past. The matter was later resolved after he apologised and assured that he would not trouble her again, the family alleged. Rekha’s brother said the couple’s relationship had become strained in recent months as her family was arranging her marriage elsewhere because they belonged to different castes.Both families had filed missing person complaints on Friday – Rekha’s at Sector 58 police station in Noida and Sumit’s in Delhi.Investigators said it was likely the two planned the meeting in advance. Police are scanning CCTV footage from over 50 cameras in the area to determine when Rekha left her office and where she met Sumit. According to police sources, Rekha’s family said she usually returned home by 7pm. When she did not on Friday, they approached a local police outpost later in the night. Her phone remained off through Friday but was switched on around 7am on Saturday. Calls to it went unanswered.This indicates one or both was alive at the time and the shootings happened later in the morning on Saturday.Sumit’s brother Sachin questioned the circumstance of their deaths and said the spot where the car was found was less than a kilometre from Rekha’s house. He demanded a thorough investigation to rule out foul play.Additional deputy commissioner of police Manisha Singh told reporters, “Forensic teams were called to the spot. Blood samples, the weapon, and other material evidence were collected. Ballistic examination of the pistol will help determine the sequence of firing, the distance from which the shots were fired, and other crucial details,” she said. Officials said mobile phone data of both the deceased will be examined to reconstruct their movements and conversations prior to the incident. This is important because it will determine whether they spent the entire time in the car since they met on Friday evening, went somewhere or met someone.

JAMMU: PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir, who won the Budgam assembly seat vacated by Omar Abdullah in the Nov 2025 bypoll despite an intensive campaign by the CM and his Cabinet, has said his first experience in the J&K Assembly has been positive and that the House remains a powerful institution even though its powers were curtailed after abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019, and the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir state into a union territory.“I am hopeful that the eroded political space in J&K can be reclaimed through this institution and that people’s rights can be restored to some extent. The legitimacy people have given to the Assembly demands that it works in that spirit,” Muntazir told the TOI outside the Assembly on Friday.“We should not say the J&K Assembly is disempowered. No party or legislator should say this. We should not use discouraging words or claim that nothing can be done through this Assembly. Even in the present setup, the Assembly is a powerful institution,” he said.“After Aug 5, 2019, people gave legitimacy to this Assembly by participating in the polls in large, unprecedented numbers not seen in the past 36 years. Now you cannot tell the same people that it is a disempowered Assembly. We must strive for political rights of J&K, but at the same time the legitimacy of this Assembly shouldn’t be negated,” he added.Muntazir, 38, entered the Assembly for the first time after winning the Budgam seat, defeating National Conference candidate Aga Syed Mahmood by 4,478 votes.The bypoll defeat was a major setback for the CM who had vacated the Budgam seat in 2024 after winning from it.Muntazir is the son of Aga Syed Hasan, a senior Shia cleric and former leader of separatist conglomerate All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Muntazir earlier worked as a grassroots activist before entering electoral politics.Muntazir, who holds an LLM degree, said Budgam has suffered nearly two decades of neglect despite its proximity to Srinagar. Since joining the Assembly, he regularly raises concerns about roads, education, drinking water and healthcare in his constituency, where literacy levels remain low. “In the past 20 years, the same party (NC) represented Budgam. People were given only rhetoric, but political rhetoric has a shelf life,” he said. “The people voted for change because their dignity and basic needs were ignored for a long time.”He said the CM had earlier assured the establishment of a National Law University in Budgam and the promise was made in the House. “It must be honoured. The empowerment of the J&K Assembly lies in delivering what is promised in the House,” he said.

Darron Lee’s murder case takes a new turn as late girlfriend’s family files $50M lawsuit amid her alleged brutal murder.(Image via GoFundMe, Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Last week, as the country geared up for Super Bowl LX, former New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs’ player, Darron Lee’s girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, was found allegedly brutally murdered at their rented home in Tennessee.Darron Lee was present at the house where his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, was found dead and he was soon arrested. While now he has been denied bail by Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tori Smith, his case has taken a turn with a new legal scandal.

Darron Lee’s late girlfriend’s family sues him as he faces a first degree murder charge

A few hours ago, Darron Lee’s girlfriend’s parents have sued him for a whopping $50 million and has strictly filed a lawsuit for him to not profit from the brutal death in any manner.As per 10 WBNS, Darron Lee’s girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo’s parents are seeking for $50 million for compensatory and punitive damages.The young woman’s family has also demanded that the former New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs’ player, Darron Lee, cover his late girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo’s funeral expenses.At this point in time, neither Darron Lee nor his legal team has responded to the scandalous lawsuit yet as his next hear is scheduled to be next month, on 9th March.Currently, it is not publicly confirmed how long Darron Lee and his late girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, dated before she was found allegedly brutally murdered at their Tennessee home.Interestingly, both of them had taken the home on rent just 10 days ago before she was found dead.

What allegedly happened between Darron Lee and his girlfriend?

For the unversed, on 5th February, first responders visited their home in Chattanooga suburb of Ooltewah for a call of CPR in progress.Unfortunately, the first responders found the women to be deceased as Darron Lee explained that Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo slipped in the shower, which caused her injuries.However, as per investigators, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo’s body carried multiple brutal bruises, including a bite mark on her thigh, a large bruise on her head and even a stab wound to her stomach.Reportedly, blood was also found everywhere in the house and this led to the former NFL player, Darron Lee, being quickly arrested.Currently, Darron Lee is in police custody as he faces serious charges of first degree murder as many ask for a death penalty.