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Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi stormed into the semifinals of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour with a win over Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov, but R Praggnanandhaa bowed out of the title race after losing to USA's Fabiano Caruana at the USD 7,50,000 event.&nbsp;
Erigaisi defeated Abdusattorov 1.5-0.5 while Praggnanandhaa lost an 3-4 against Caruana.
In the only match of the Upper Bracket that didn&rsquo;t go to tiebreaks, Erigaisi went through to the semifinals by winning the second 30+30 game. 
He was close to winning in the first as well, but Abdusattorov showed fantastic defense and just held on.
In the second game he couldn&rsquo;t repeat that feat in a position an exchange down, which he had sacrificed early in the opening.
Praggnanandhaa-Caruana matchup saw an equally dramatic two 30+30 games, with Praggnanandhaa pouncing first with an excellent win with the white pieces. 
Caruana then leveled the score as he dominated his white game from the start and reached a piece-up endgame, but faced stiff opposition from his opponent &ndash; until Praggnanandhaa suddenly blundered his rook.
The scenario repeated itself but with reversed colors; Praggnanandhaa won the first 10+10 game as Black but failed to hold the next one as White. 
The next part of the tiebreak consisted of two 5+2 blitz games, and the first saw an absolutely wild time scramble where the eval bar went up and down and up and down until it was Caruana who emerged victoriously. The craziest game of the day.
In another must-win situation, Praggnanandhaa delivered. He ended up winning from a worse middlegame position, thus forcing the first Armageddon game of the tournament.
He bid 4:27 for playing Black, but was beaten by Caruana&rsquo;s 4:02 so the latter got to play Black, with draw odds, and mentioned time on the clock against 5 minutes for White and only after move 60 an increment of 1 second per move. 
Caruana won a good game, showing strong nerves in timetrouble.
Meanwhile, Levon Aronian and Hans Moke Niemann of America were the other winners to make it to the Higher Bracket&rsquo;s semifinals, alongside Caruana and Erigaisi.
In the Lower Bracket, Magnus Carlsen, Wesley So, Vincent Keymer and Leinier Dominguez emerged as the winners on Friday as they eliminated Vidit Gujrathi, Sam Sevian, Ray Robson and Bibisara Assaubayeva, respectively.
In the Upper Bracket, the pairings for the semifinals are Caruana vs Niemann and Aronianvs vs Erigaisi.
The losers in the Lower Bracket (Vidit, Sevian, Robson and Assaubayeva) have been eliminated and share 13th place. 
The winners (Carlsen, So, Keymer and Dominguez) move on to the Intermediate Matches Stage 1 where they will face the losers of the Upper Bracket quarterfinals.
There, the pairings in the lower bracket are; Praggnanandhaa vs Carlsen, Sindarov vs So, Nakamura vs Dominguez and Abdusattorov vs Keymer.
&mdash;IANS

Erigaisi advances, Pragg exits Chess Grand Slam

Erigaisi enters Freestyle Chess semis; Pragg loses to Caruana, out of title contention

Erigaisi In Semis, Pragg Exits Chess Grand Slam

Paul Hyon Kim, a 36-year-old resident of Las Vegas, has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson attack at a Tesla service center in Nevada earlier this month. Federal authorities charged Kim with unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and arson, according to the US&nbsp;Department of Justice.
Kim was taken into custody by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers on Wednesday and remains in federal detention as the investigation continues. He made his initial appearance in US District Court in Las Vegas on Thursday.
According to court documents, the attack occurred on March 18, when LVMPD patrol officers responded to reports of fire and gunshots at a Tesla collision business. Investigators allege Kim used Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style rifle to set vehicles on fire and damage the facility. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect arriving in dark clothing and launching firebombs before fleeing the scene. Five Tesla vehicles were destroyed in the attack, and the word &ldquo;Resist&rdquo; was spray-painted on the building&rsquo;s exterior.
On March 26, law enforcement executed search warrants at Kim&rsquo;s residence, recovering firearms, including an AR-style rifle with a suppressor, face masks, a black hoodie, a gun belt, and a handwritten note resembling an escape plan.
If convicted, Kim faces up to 30 years in prison&mdash;a maximum of 10 years for possessing an unregistered firearm and a mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years, for arson.
&ldquo;Today&rsquo;s federal charges demonstrate our strong partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement partners and the joint pursuit to end domestic terrorism,&rdquo; Acting US Attorney Sue Fahami&nbsp;said in a statement.
The attack is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Tesla properties amid protests over Elon Musk&rsquo;s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk responded on social media, writing: &ldquo;I understand not wanting to buy a product, but this is extreme arson and destruction.&rdquo;
US officials have condemned the attacks. Attorney General Pam Bondi labelled them &ldquo;nothing short of domestic terrorism&rdquo; and announced charges against multiple individuals linked to Tesla property destruction.
&ldquo;Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,&rdquo; Bondi stated.
(With agency input)

If convicted, Kim faces up to 30 years in prison

Paul Hyon Kim allegedly used Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style rifle to set vehicles on fire and damage the facility

Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas Tesla Arson Case

Matthew Alan Livelsberger, the&nbsp;decorated US Army soldier who set off an explosion in a Cybertruck and killed himself in front of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on New Year&rsquo;s Day was overcome by the stress of fighting on the frontlines, according to officials, but the mystery deepened with his call for an uprising against Democrats in government just days before President Joe Biden is to leave office.
&ldquo;Try peaceful means first, but be prepared to fight to get the Dems (Democrats) out of the fed government and military by any means necessary,&rdquo; Livelsberger had written in a letter found on his cellphone, it was revealed on Friday.
&ldquo;Rally around the [sic] Trump, Musk, Kennedy, and ride this wave to the highest hegemony for all Americans! We are second to no one,&rdquo; he wrote referring to President-elect Donald Trump, his adviser Elon Musk and Robert F Kennedy, Jr, the pick for health secretary.
He also expressed concern that the US was &ldquo;headed to collapse&rdquo;.
The key to the contradictions in his statements&mdash;at a time when the Democrats are on their way out at the federal level and Trump is coming in&mdash;may lie in the likelihood he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Spencer Evans said on Friday at a news conference in Las Vegas, &ldquo;It ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who is struggling with PTSD and other issues.&rdquo;
In a letter he left on his mobile phone, Livelsberger declared, &ldquo;This was not a terrorist attack. It was a wake-up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives.&rdquo;
Two letters were found on his phone, Las Vegas Police Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said.
&ldquo;Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I&rsquo;ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took&rdquo;, wrote Livelsberger, an active-duty Green Beret, a member of the elite Army Special Forces Command.
PTSD is a condition that afflicts those who had witnessed or experienced extreme violence or trauma in conditions like war with the memories continuing to haunt them.
He had served in Afghanistan, the Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Tajikistan, winning at least five medals for meritorious or heroic service. Based in Germany, he was in the US on holiday.
Livelsberger had set off the explosion hours after an Army ex-serviceman Shamsud-Din Jabbar driving a pickup truck flying a flag of the Islamic State terror organization flag had ploughed into a crowd in New Orleans celebrating the New Year.
While the New Orleans incident was clearly a terrorist attack because of the videos made by Jabbar, Livelsberger&rsquo;s motive was puzzling with speculation about the two incidents being linked because of their military background and their renting their vehicles through the same company.
As he said in his letter, Livelsberged appeared to have taken care to limit the harm, using only fireworks and some petrol canisters in a Cybertruck that can absorb most of the explosion&rsquo;s impact, interested in putting up a headline-grabbing show.
Seven people nearby suffered only minor injuries.
In one of the letters on his phone, he wrote, &ldquo;We are the United States of America, the best country people to ever exist! But right now we are terminally ill and headed towards collapse.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Military and vets move on (Washington) DC starting now. Militias facilitate and augment this activity. Occupy every major road along fed (federal) buildings and the campus of fed buildings by the hundreds of thousands&rdquo;, he wrote.
Some media reports said that he had a disagreement with his wife before he headed from Colorado, where he was on vacation, to Las Vegas.
&mdash;IANS

Livelsberger called his actions an attention-seeking 'stunt'

Elite soldier who committed suicide in Cybertruck explosion was battling PTSD, FBI says

Las Vegas Bomber Wanted 'Anti-Dem Uprising'

Red Bull&rsquo;s Max Verstappen sealed the Formula 1 Drivers&rsquo; Championship for the fourth time with an assured drive to fifth place during the Las Vegas Grand Prix even as pole-sitter George Russell and the charging Lewis Hamilton earned a one-two finish for Mercedes. This is Verstappen&rsquo;s fourth successive triumph in the F1 Drivers&rsquo; World Championships. 
The Red Bull driver finished with 403 points with Lando Norris on 340.
Verstappen entered the 50-lap encounter on Saturday night knowing that all he needed to do was keep title rival Lando Norris behind him to secure another crown. The Dutchman achieved that by holding position into the first corner and gradually pulling away from the McLaren driver.
Having held a podium spot after the second round of pit stops, Verstappen opted against a fight when the Ferraris arrived at the rear of his Red Bull in the closing laps&mdash;both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finding a way past before the chequered flag.
With his fourth title, Verstappen, who won the World Championship in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2024, joined Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Jack Brabham of Australia as the third driver with four F1 Drivers&rsquo; World Championships. He is now behind Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who have seven wins, and Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina who has claimed five titles.
At the front, Russell expertly managed a tricky race in cool, slippery conditions, keeping a fast-starting Leclerc at bay in the early laps&mdash;the latter running into tyre troubles as a result of that aggression&mdash;and controlling proceedings thereafter.
Hamilton bounced back from a challenging conclusion to qualifying, which left him 10th on the grid, to work his way through the field and back up teammate Russell, whose win marked the first Mercedes triumph since July&rsquo;s Belgian Grand Prix.
Norris made a successful bid for the fastest lap in the dying moments as he took sixth, and mathematically dropped out of championship contention, with teammate Oscar Piastri crossing the line seventh after a time penalty for jumping the start.
Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg cleared RB&rsquo;s Yuki Tsunoda late on in what could be crucial for the tight constructors&rsquo; battle over P6, especially after second-row starter Pierre Gasly suffered an agonizing retirement due to technical trouble aboard his Alpine.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Verstappen after the Las Vegas Grand Prix race

Russell leads Mercedes 1-2 from pole position in Las Vegas

Formula 1: Verstappen Claims Fourth Drivers’ Title

Gujarat Congress Internal Dispute: The countdown to the 2027 Gujarat Assembly election has already begun. The 2029 Lok Sabha election is not far away either. The Congress high command is making claims of a change of power in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is talking about rebuilding the Gujarat Congress from the ground up. There is talk of removing the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; and putting the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; on the field. But looking at the current state of the Gujarat Congress, one question cannot be avoided: before entering the race, will the Congress even be able to get its own team to stand in one line? Before declaring war against the BJP, the Congress is caught in a political battle within its own house. The question is bitter, but necessary: if a party cannot create unity within its own organisation, how does it expect to take on the BJP&rsquo;s formidable organisational machinery in Gujarat?
Leaders Changed, But Why Didn&rsquo;t the Problem? Keeping the 2027 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the Congress has begun making changes to its Gujarat organisation. The high command wanted to remove the old and inactive structure and bring forward leaders with the ability to fight elections. But when a party repeatedly needs to change its state in-charge, the question becomes bigger than the capability of the individual holding the post. Mukul Wasnik was replaced by Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat Congress in-charge. With the new in-charge came expectations of a new direction, a new strategy and greater discipline within the organisation. Yet, barely had Surjewala taken charge when a controversy erupted within Banaskantha Congress over the organisational structure. That is where the Congress&rsquo;s real trouble begins.
A Symptom of Congress&rsquo;s Organisational Illness Banaskantha is not an ordinary constituency. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat that the Congress won in the 2024 general election. That makes it the biggest symbol of political hope for the Congress in Gujarat. So when differences emerge over organisational posts and responsibilities in precisely this constituency, when questions are raised over decisions taken by the state leadership, and when the district organisation itself becomes a subject of controversy, this cannot simply be dismissed as a &lsquo;local dispute&rsquo;. It is a symptom of the Congress&rsquo;s organisational illness. And if this illness continues until 2027, the BJP will be the direct beneficiary. The Congress needs to understand one basic reality: elections are not won through posters, press conferences and speeches by big leaders. Elections are won at the booth. The BJP&rsquo;s organisational machinery is active right down to the booth level. To challenge it, the Congress needs a strong network of workers, clearly defined responsibilities and a united district-level organisation. But here, the very formation of the district organisation is becoming a source of controversy. So where exactly will the Congress find the strength to challenge the BJP at the booth level?
&lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; or Obstacles in Each Other&rsquo;s Way? Rahul Gandhi talks about identifying the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; in Gujarat and bringing the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; to the forefront. It sounds attractive. But politics does not work that way. Simply choosing good horses does not guarantee victory in a race. The horses must run together rather than pull each other down. The direction of the race must be clear. And the coaching staff cannot be fighting among themselves. Only then can a team win. The Gujarat Congress&rsquo;s problem may not simply be about &lsquo;which leader should be promoted&rsquo;. The real problem is whether the leaders who are brought forward will actually work together. Mukul Wasnik is gone. Randeep Singh Surjewala has arrived. The state in-charge has changed. But if factionalism remains unchanged, internal power struggles remain unchanged, coordination between the district and state organisations remains weak, and organisational decisions themselves continue to trigger controversy, then what exactly is the Congress talking about when it talks of change? Changing faces will not change the Congress&rsquo;s fortunes. Its working style must change. Leadership accountability must be fixed. Factionalism must be brought under control. And above all, the party worker must be given confidence that the Congress is genuinely one team. Because if the Congress wants to fight the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other.
When Will the Political Infighting Within Gujarat Congress End? The biggest illusion for the Congress in the 2027 election would be to assume that public anger against the BJP will automatically translate into Congress votes. Politics does not work that simply. Reaching voters requires sustained ground-level work. It requires a booth-level organisation. It requires coordination among local leaders. It requires worker morale. And above all, it requires leadership running in one direction until election day. If even one of these five links is weak, the entire electoral calculation can collapse. For the Congress, this is no longer the time for experiments. It is the time for decisions. How many state in-charges will be changed? How many meetings will be held? How many times will the organisational structure be reshuffled? The question is no longer who the next Gujarat Congress in-charge will be. The real question is: when will the political infighting within the Gujarat Congress finally end? If every new in-charge is going to inherit the same old disputes, factionalism and internal resentment, then how can a new Congress emerge simply because a new face has arrived?
Will &lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; Remain Just Another Political Slogan? If the Congress wants to win Gujarat, it must first win within its own organisation. It must win the trust of its workers. It must win the confidence of its district organisations. It must bring its leaders onto one platform. Otherwise, the Congress will lose its internal battle before its fight against the BJP has even begun. And then the talk of &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; will remain nothing more than another political slogan. The Congress has very little time left in the race for power in 2027. If it wants to take on the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other. Because power in Gujarat will not be won through statements from the Gandhi family. It will be won through organisational strength on the ground. The final question is simple: Is the Congress preparing to defeat the BJP, or is it still calculating whom it needs to defeat inside its own house? Want to win Gujarat? Then first, win the Gujarat Congress.

Congress has set its sights on defeating the BJP in Gujarat. But there’s a bigger battle brewing inside its own house.

Congress Wants to Defeat BJP in Gujarat, But Who Will Save Congress From Itself?

Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

A chilling video of the accused in the Indore MBA student murder case has sparked outrage after he was seen smiling and appearing unconcerned when questioned about the crime.
The accused, Piyush Dhanotia, was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his 25-year-old classmate in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Police said he strangled the woman on February 10 inside his rented accommodation and later locked the room before fleeing. Her partially decomposed body was discovered days later after residents complained of a foul smell.
However, what has intensified public anger is the accused&rsquo;s demeanour. In a video that surfaced online, Dhanotia is seen smiling when reporters ask him why he committed the crime. When pressed for answers, he responded dismissively, saying that what had happened had already happened and that he would speak at the right time. Throughout the interaction, he showed no visible sign of regret.
Police officials said he admitted during interrogation that he forced the woman into sexual acts and killed her when she resisted, though he has reportedly changed his version multiple times. Investigators are also examining allegations that he circulated objectionable videos of the victim in their college WhatsApp group.
The victim&rsquo;s father has accused the accused of blackmailing his daughter with obscene images and attempting to extort money.
As the investigation continues, the accused&rsquo;s apparent lack of remorse captured on camera has become a focal point of the case, drawing sharp reactions both online and offline.
&nbsp;

Video shows MBA student murder accused laughing amid probe

Indore Murder Accused Smiles on Camera

Galgotias University has landed in controversy after showcasing a robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that was widely believed to be developed by its students. The robot, however, was later identified as a commercially available product made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.
The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral, in which a university professor introduced the robot dog, named &ldquo;Orion,&rdquo; and referred to it as being developed at the institution&rsquo;s Centre of Excellence. Social media users were quick to point out that the machine closely resembled Unitree&rsquo;s quadruped robots, which are already available globally for research and industrial use.
Unitree is known for manufacturing advanced four-legged robots designed for tasks such as inspection, obstacle navigation and research applications. Its products are often compared to models developed by global robotics players.
Following the uproar, the Greater Noida-based university issued a clarification stating that it never claimed to have built the robot. It maintained that the robodog was purchased as part of its AI investment initiatives and is being used as a research and learning tool for students. Another faculty member present at the summit reiterated that the display had been misinterpreted and that there was no attempt to conceal the original manufacturer&rsquo;s branding.
Despite the clarification, sources familiar with the developments said the university was asked to vacate its pavilion at the summit amid mounting criticism. The institution, however, denied receiving any formal directive from the organisers or the ministry.
Notably, the robotic dog was removed from display shortly after the controversy escalated online.

Robodog row sparks backlash at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Galgotias Asked to Exit AI Summit

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away recently. The actor shared the news with an emotional message on social media. His wife, Kiara Advani, has now also paid a heartfelt tribute to her father-in-law.
On Wednesday, Kiara took to Instagram to share pictures from her wedding reception, where she and Sidharth were seen smiling alongside his parents. In a deeply personal note, she remembered Sunil Malhotra as a warm, generous, and steady presence in the family. She reflected on how he welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love, describing his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Kiara wrote that his stories, laughter, and quiet strength would remain with her forever. She added that his legacy of integrity and gentleness lives on through his children and grandchildren. Concluding her message, she expressed that he would always be loved and remembered.
The couple is currently in Delhi with their family during this difficult period. Members of the film industry extended their condolences online. Jacqueline Fernandez offered prayers, while Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra shared messages of support.
On the professional front, Sidharth will next appear in Vvan: Force of The Forest, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is slated for release later this year.
Kiara, meanwhile, awaits the release of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles. The film is expected to release on March 19, alongside Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar.

Actor pens heartfelt note after Sunil Malhotra’s passing

Kiara Mourns Sidharth’s Father

Days after 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra lost his life in a fatal SUV crash in Delhi&rsquo;s Dwarka, the father of the 17-year-old accused has expressed regret over the incident, stating that his family is &ldquo;deeply grief-stricken.&rdquo; He also confirmed that the Scorpio SUV involved in the accident is part of his commercial transport business.
The crash occurred around 11:50 am on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, Dwarka. According to police, the SUV rammed into a Yamaha R15 motorcycle, killing Sahil on the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked Swift Dzire, injuring cab driver Ajit Singh.
Post-mortem findings revealed that Sahil sustained a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow injury due to the high-impact collision.
The minor driver was detained at the scene and booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and endangering life. He was later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. On February 10, he was granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a separate case against the boy&rsquo;s father under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence.
Speaking to the media after being questioned, the father said he was not in the city at the time of the accident and was unaware that his son had taken the vehicle. He stated that the family has cooperated with investigators and provided all necessary documents.
Sahil&rsquo;s mother alleged that her son was killed by a &ldquo;reckless teen&rdquo; just minutes away from his workplace. The 23-year-old, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom later this year.

Minor held in SUV crash; father booked under MV Act provisions

Dwarka Crash: Accused’s Father Apologises

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday set aside a March 2025 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that had ruled that grabbing a minor girl&rsquo;s breasts and dragging her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape. The apex court termed the ruling a &ldquo;patently erroneous&rdquo; application of criminal law principles.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, held that the high court had incorrectly reduced the charges from attempt to rape under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act to lesser offences. The court restored the original summons issued by the Special POCSO Court in Kasganj, clarifying that its observations were prima facie and would not influence the trial&rsquo;s outcome.
Rejecting the high court&rsquo;s reasoning that the accused had merely &ldquo;prepared&rdquo; to commit rape, the Supreme Court reiterated the settled distinction between preparation and attempt, noting that an attempt begins when intent moves into execution. Based on the allegations, including forcibly taking the minor on a motorcycle, dragging her near a culvert, and fleeing only after she screamed, the Bench held that a prima facie case of attempt to rape was clearly made out.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised concerns over the high court&rsquo;s reasoning. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the controversial observations and later the entire judgment.
Beyond correcting the legal error, the court addressed a broader concern about insensitivity in judicial handling of sexual offence cases. It requested the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal to constitute a five-member expert committee to frame guidelines aimed at fostering compassion and sensitivity in courts, especially in cases involving minors and vulnerable victims.
The committee, to be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been directed to submit a report within three months. The guidelines are to be drafted in simple, accessible language and tailored to Indian realities to ensure they are understandable to victims and laypersons alike.

Top court restores rape attempt charge, seeks sensitivity guidelines

SC Sets Aside HC Order in POCSO Case

India&rsquo;s merchandise imports from Russia plunged by over 40% in January 2026, falling to about $2.86 billion from $4.81 billion a year earlier, official trade figures show, largely reflecting a steep reduction in crude oil purchases.
Crude oil typically accounts for roughly 80% of India&rsquo;s imports from Russia, and estimates suggest purchases of Russian crude last month were significantly lower than in previous years. Other goods imported from Russia include coal, fertilisers, iron, pulses, and precious stones, but these have not offset the slump in oil imports. The downturn in oil imports intensified after mid-2025, following punitive tariffs levied by the United States on Indian goods connected to purchases of Russian oil and ongoing diplomatic pressure. India&rsquo;s refiners, including some major private and state firms, have substantially reduced or halted buying Russian crude as they explore alternative sources.
In early February 2026, Washington eased the additional tariff on Indian products after New Delhi signalled a commitment to &ldquo;stop directly or indirectly importing&rdquo; Russian oil and to increase purchases of energy products from the United States, as well as broadening ties in global energy markets.
Analysts expect the shift in crude sourcing to continue, with Indian refiners eyeing other suppliers, including Middle Eastern and Venezuelan grades, as part of broader diversification strategies.

January sees 40% fall in Russia merchandise imports amid crude cutbacks

India’s Russia Imports Drop Sharply

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Annamayya district for allegedly abducting and murdering a seven-year-old girl from his neighbourhood in Madanapalle town.
The child had been playing outside her home on Sunday evening when she went missing, sparking panic among her family and local residents. A missing complaint was filed the following morning, prompting an intensive search operation led by district police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from across the town, which reportedly showed the suspect, a neighbour living opposite the victim&rsquo;s house, taking the child into his residence. Acting on this lead, police searched the house on Tuesday morning.
During the inspection, officers discovered the girl&rsquo;s body concealed inside a water storage drum within the premises. The accused was present at the house at the time and was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary findings suggest the child was killed inside the residence on Sunday night, and her body was hidden thereafter. Authorities are probing whether sexual assault occurred before the murder, with confirmation pending post-mortem and forensic examination results.
Following the discovery, tensions escalated in the area. Residents and family members staged a protest on the Madanapalle highway, briefly preventing police from shifting the body to the government hospital for autopsy and demanding strict punishment for the accused.
Police have stated that all possible angles, including prior allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the suspect, are being examined as the investigation continues.

Child’s body found in drum; protest erupts in Madanapalle town

7-Year-Old Killed, Neighbour Arrested

The United States and Iran held their second round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional tensions. While both sides indicated forward movement in discussions, parallel military developments have added complexity to the fragile engagement.
Reports suggest the US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets, were reportedly repositioned to the region within a 24-hour window. The deployment follows Washington&rsquo;s decision to send a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Middle Eastern waters, underscoring its strategic posture.
Despite the show of force, the Geneva discussions were described as substantive and focused. Iranian officials signalled that preliminary understandings were reached on broad guiding principles that could shape a future agreement. However, they cautioned that drafting and finalising any deal would take time.
On the American side, officials maintained that the talks unfolded largely as anticipated. Washington&rsquo;s core objective remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a position repeatedly emphasised by senior US leadership.
Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted. Iran temporarily restricted navigation in parts of the Strait of Hormuz during a naval drill, highlighting the waterway&rsquo;s vulnerability. Additionally, US leaders suggested that differences remain over key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
As diplomacy continues, both nations appear to be balancing dialogue with deterrence, leaving the broader geopolitical landscape uncertain.

Second Geneva round shows progress as military moves raise stakes

Las Vegas News