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Miami Open: Fils, Lehecka secure thrilling victories to reach SF

Miami, March 26, 2026

Rising French star Arthur Fils delivered a stunning comeback to edge past American Tommy Paul in a quarter-final at the Miami Open, saving four match points to win 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(6), and secure his place in his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.

In a contest lasting two hours and 47 minutes, the 21-year-old Frenchman showed composure under pressure, rallying from 2/6 in the final-set tie-break by winning six straight points to produce one of the most dramatic wins of the season. But, Fils managed to prevail without breaking Paul’s serve at any point.

Seeded 28th, Fils maintained an aggressive style throughout, hitting the ball with increasing power as the match wore on. This victory marked a major breakthrough for the young player, who had previously lost all four of his ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final matches, including a recent exit at Indian Wells.

With this win, he became the youngest French semi-finalist at this level since Richard Gasquet reached the semi-finals in Paris in 2007 at the age of 21.

Fils will next face the Czech player Jiri Lehecka, whom he leads 2-1 in their head-to-head record. Their most recent encounter was in Doha earlier this year, where the Frenchman won in straight sets.

Lehecka advanced to the last four with a 7-6(1), 7-5 victory over Spain’s Martin Landaluce, ending the impressive run of the 20-year-old qualifier. Landaluce, the lowest-ranked quarter-finalist at the tournament since 1994, also became the first player born in 2006 or later to reach the last eight of a Masters 1000 event.

Despite a spirited effort, Landaluce struggled to convert opportunities, while Lehecka elevated his level in key moments, especially in the final stages of both sets. The Czech created 10 break-point chances compared to just one for his opponent, eventually taking advantage late in the second set to seal victory in two hours and two minutes.

This run at Miami marks Lehecka’s second Masters 1000 semi-final; he previously reached the same stage in Madrid in 2024 before retiring due to injury against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

With his performances this week, Lehecka has climbed six spots to World No. 16 in the live rankings, matching his career-high. Meanwhile, Landaluce is set to rise 48 places to No. 103 following a breakthrough campaign that included wins over three Top-50 players.(Agency)

Telangana CM expresses shock over Andhra bus fire tragedy, assures help to victims’ families

Hyderabad, March 26, 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed deep shock over the bus accident in the Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, which claimed the lives of at least 14 people.

The Chief Minister conveyed his profound grief over the loss of several lives and the severe injuries sustained by others in the mishap.

CM Revanth Reddy extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

Noting that the bus was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana towards Nellore, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed State Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to gather details regarding the victims — both the deceased and the injured — involved in the accident.

The Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with officials from Andhra Pradesh to collect comprehensive details regarding the incident.

He also issued orders to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.

Acting upon the Chief Minister’s directives, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao held discussions with his counterpart in Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud has also expressed deep shock over the tragic loss of several lives in a horrific bus accident that occurred early this morning at Rayavaram, near Markapuram in Andhra Pradesh.

He expressed profound distress over the incident in which a Harikrishna Travels bus — travelling from Nirmal to Vinjamur — collided with another vehicle, subsequently catching fire and resulting in the passengers inside being burnt alive.

He wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

At least 14 people were burnt alive and 22 others injured when a private travel bus in which they were travelling caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

There were about 35 passengers in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels at the time of the collision. (Agency)

Vivek Agnihotri announces film ‘Operation Sindoor’ based on Lt Gen K. J. S. Dhillon’s book

Mumbai, March 26, 2026

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri on Thursday announced his next project, ‘Operation Sindoor’, a film inspired by Lt Gen K. J. S. Dhillon’s book that delves into India’s covert military operations across the border.

Vivek took to Instagram, where he shared that he has joined hands with T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar to make a movie based on the book “Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan.”

The director shared that the film aims to bring to the screen a narrative rooted in real incidents that reshaped the security landscape of the subcontinent.

He wrote: “Bhushan Kumar and I have joined forces for #OperationSindoor— a story that redefined security in the subcontinent and exposed Pakistan’s nuclear bluff.”

“The film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. ‘Tiny’ Dhillon’s book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan,” Vivek added.

According to the filmmaker, the story is set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. It explores strategic military responses, backed by extensive on-ground research and inputs from multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces.

“Rooted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and backed by extensive, ground-level research in collaboration with multiple wings of the Indian Armed Forces, this is a story drawn from reality… not to create noise, but to confront it: with facts, with clarity, and the magic of cinema.”

Bhushan Kumar said in a statement: “Some stories are not chosen, they choose you. Operation Sindoor is one such story—one that demands to be told with honesty, courage, and responsibility. This is not just a film. It is a revelation. When a nation goes through events of such magnitude, it becomes important to document them truthfully.”

An armed conflict between India and Pakistan began in May 2025, after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, in a military campaign codenamed Operation Sindoor. India said that the operation was in response to the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025 in which 26 civilians were killed.

On 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor with missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure facilities of Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and POK.(Agency)

Shots fired at rooftop party in Kolkata’s Patuli; Trinamool supporter killed

Kolkata, March 26, 2026

A Trinamool Congress supporter was killed in Kolkata following a gunfight between two rival groups while they were sitting and consuming alcohol on a rooftop at midnight, the police said on Thursday.

Spare cartridges were found scattered across the area. The incident took place in Ward No. 101 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The deceased has been identified as Rahul Dey (36). Another individual, named Jeet Mukherjee, sustained injuries.

According to the police, Rahul and Jeet were previously acquainted; however, they had not been in contact for a long time. On Wednesday night, an event was being hosted at Jeet Mukherjee’s residence, to which Rahul had been invited. Subsequently, the group gathered on the rooftop of Jeet’s house. They were allegedly consuming alcohol at the time. Around 12.30 a.m., neighbours heard gunfire. Approximately three rounds of shots were heard. The others who were present on the rooftop fled the scene. It was through one of them that news was conveyed to Rahul’s family.

Upon reaching the scene, Rahul’s brother and mother found him lying there, bloodied and with gunshot wounds. Jeet was found lying right beside him. Both men were rescued and rushed to a hospital, where doctors pronounced Rahul dead.

According to locals, Jeet had been barred from entering Patuli since 2021. He had been arrested multiple times by the Patuli Police Station on charges of involvement in various anti-social activities. Although he initially began working as a loyal foot soldier for the area’s Trinamool Councillor, Bappaditya Dasgupta, he subsequently began engaging in various illicit activities across the locality while invoking the Councillor’s name. Consequently, the Councillor himself lodged a complaint with the police station. Not just once or twice, but on several occasions, Jeet was arrested by the police.

Following this, he was expelled from the local Trinamool camp and banished from the area. Jeet then rented a home in the neighbouring Ward No. 99 and began residing there. However, allegations suggest that even after moving there, the man continued to engage in similar criminal activities. Police said he was arrested several times by the Netaji Nagar Police Station.

It was learnt that for the past 15 to 20 days, he had returned to Patuli’s Phoolbagan area and started staying at his parents’ flat again. He claimed that he had come merely to visit his parents, not to reside in the locality permanently.

It is alleged that on Wednesday night, he invited Rahul to join a drinking session organised on the rooftop of his residential complex. The gathering was proceeding as planned when miscreants belonging to a rival faction — opposed to Jeet and Rahul — entered the complex and made their way to the rooftop. There, they opened fire indiscriminately. Rahul succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Jeet sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital located near the EM Bypass.

The deceased Rahul’s brother said, “I received a phone call at 1.00 a.m. The brother of one of the individuals present at the party called me. I took my mother and rushed to the scene. The police were already on the rooftop. I saw two people lying there. Jeet’s wife was also present. My brother, Rahul, was there as well. The police brought Jeet down first. By the time I saw my brother, he was already gone. It was Jeet who had reached out to my brother after so many years. Why did something like this happen so suddenly?”

Preliminary police investigations suggest that the shooting incident stemmed from a dispute between two rival factions over syndicates and the distribution of money.(Agency)

Skipper Gaikwad, Samson set to form CSK’s opening pair in IPL 2026

Mumbai, March 26, 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped a hint about the team’s opening combination for the Indian Premier League edition, revealing he, along with wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson, will open the innings in IPL 2026.

CSK who had a dismal campaign last year and their top order was a major weakness. They had tried multiple combinations, but all led to disaster. The five-time winners then tried Ayush Mhatre at the top, and he provided some brisk starts. But with CSK roping in Sanju Samson for IPL 2026, the franchise opted to go in with an experienced pair.

During the IPL 2026 captain’s meet in Mumbai, Gaikwad was asked about CSK’s opening combination, and the skipper confirmed that he will return to the top of the order, partnering with newly added member in Samson

Samson was traded in from Rajasthan Royals to CSK ahead of the auction in a major move as the five-time champions traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR.

Last year, CSK had struggled to find stability at the top. Gaikwad himself batted at No. 3 for a large part of the season, while the team rotated between Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi as openers. No combination worked for CSK until youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came as replacements and gave the team some much-needed aggression in the powerplay.

Joining as a replacement player last season, Mhatre amassed 240 runs in seven innings, averaging 34.28 at a striking rate of 188.97, including a standout 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while Brevis scored 225 runs in six innings at the strike rate of 180.

CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on March 30.

Their first match at home in Chennai will be on April 3 against Punjab Kings, before their next game against the Delhi Capitals on April 11 at M.A Chidambaram Stadium.(Agency)

Alia Bhatt gushes over ‘mommy’ Kiara Advani’s ‘chocolate’ glam

Mumbai, March 26, 2026

New “mommy” and actress Kiara Advani turned heads with her latest chocolate-hued glam avatar, prompting an excited response from actress Alia Bhatt, who tagged her as “gorgeous”.

Kiara took to Instagram on Thursday morning, where is seen dressed in a milk chocolate-toned, fitted corset-style dress, accentuating a sleek and glamorous silhouette.

For the caption, she wrote: “Mommy’s home! and she brought chocolate.”

The post quickly caught attention, with several fans and industry friends reacting to her striking look and confident vibe.

Among them, actress Alia couldn’t hold back her admiration and dropped a comment saying, “Gorgeeeeeeee.”

Kiara, who is married to actor Sidharth Malhotra, on July 2025 officially announced the arrival of their baby girl, admitting that their “world” has “forever changed.”

Sidharth took to his Instagram handle and dropped a lovely announcement post in pink on behalf of him and Kiara.

The ‘Shershaah’ actor wrote, “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a Baby Girl. KIARA & SIDHARTH (sic).”

It was on November 28, 2025, when they finally revealed the name of their little bundle of joy.

They wrote on Instagram: “From our prayers, to our arms (Folded hands emoji) our divine blessing, our princess, Saraayah Malhotra (Sparkles, folded hands, red heart and evil eye emojis) (sic).”

Sidharth and Kiara married in 2023, in a private ceremony at Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer, after a quiet, years-long relationship that blossomed on the sets of their 2021 film Shershaah.

Talking about Alia, she was last seen in Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala. It stars Alia as a troubled young woman who must rescue her brother, played by Vedang Raina from a foreign prison, after he is incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.

She will next be seen in Alpha, the seventh installment of the shared universe and first female-led film in the universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film also stars Sharvari, Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor, with Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir in a cameo appearance.The film is now scheduled for a theatrical release on 10 July 2026.(Agency)

Meta, YouTube found liable in US teen addiction case

Washington, March 26, 2026

A US jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark case, ruling that their platforms harmed a young user through addictive design features and failed to warn of risks to children and teens.

Delivered by a Los Angeles court, the ruling marks one of the most significant legal setbacks for major social media companies in years. Jurors found Instagram’s parent Meta and Google-owned YouTube negligent for operating products that harmed young users and for failing to adequately warn about those dangers.

The case was brought by a 20-year-old woman, identified as Kaley G.M., who testified that her use of the platforms began in childhood and dominated her life for years. She said it contributed to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.

The jury awarded her $3 million in damages and an additional $3 million in punitive damages. Jurors were nearly unanimous in their findings across multiple questions before them.

Kaley told the court she began watching YouTube videos at age six and created an Instagram account at nine. She said her engagement with the platforms intensified over time. “I wanted to be on it all the time,” she said. “If I wasn’t on it, I felt like I was going to miss out on something.”

Her lawyer, Mark Lanier, argued that the companies knowingly designed their platforms to keep children engaged. He told jurors the damages should serve to “punish a wrongdoing” and “to discourage similar conduct in the future.” He added, “They knew! They targeted the children.”

The defence pushed back, arguing that the plaintiff’s struggles were influenced by other factors, including personal circumstances and bullying. Company executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, rejected claims that their platforms were designed to be addictive.

Zuckerberg said the company’s aim was to provide useful services, not maximise user time. “We used to give teams goals on time spent, and we don’t do that anymore because I don’t think that’s the best way to do it,” he told the court.

Meta said it would appeal the verdict. “Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different,” said company spokesman Andy Stone.

YouTube also plans to challenge the ruling. “This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site,” said Jose Castaneda, a spokesman for Google.

The case is being closely watched as a test for thousands of similar lawsuits. More than 3,000 cases are pending in California courts alone, targeting companies including Meta, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok. Some platforms settled claims before trial.

Legal experts say the verdict could influence how courts assess claims related to social media and mental health, especially among minors. It may also encourage settlements as companies reassess legal risks.

The ruling follows another recent decision in New Mexico, where a jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in a separate case involving child safety concerns.

Globally, scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users has been growing. Governments in several countries are considering stricter safeguards, including age restrictions, parental controls and limits on addictive features.(Agency)

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov calls on Punjab Governor Kataria

Chandigarh, March 25,2026(Yes Punjab News)

Mr. Denis Alipov, Ambassador of the Russia to India, paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, at Lok Bhavan, Punjab, today.

The interaction was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, wherein matters of mutual interest were discussed.

The meeting reflected the longstanding and friendly relations between India and Russia, and reaffirmed the spirit of cooperation and goodwill between the two sides.

Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana proves to be a boon for Punjabis with free treatment up to ₹10 lakh: Dr Balbir Singh

Chandigarh/Patiala,March 25, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that the unique scheme ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana’, launched by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, providing free treatment up to ₹10 lakh, is proving to be a boon for the people of Punjab. Highlighting the achievements of the health sector over the past four years, he informed that so far 1.60 lakh people have availed free treatment worth ₹191 crore under this scheme.

Dr. Balbir Singh said that Punjab’s health model is now being replicated in other states across the country. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Aam Aadmi Party government has prioritized health, education, and employment over the past four years, and the results are evident.

He further stated that the transformation of Government Rajindra Hospital and Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala marked the beginning of a health revolution in the state, and the government has achieved unprecedented success in the health sector during this period.

The Health Minister informed that under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, health cards are to be issued to 65 lakh families covering around 3 crore people, out of which 25 lakh cards have already been issued. He appealed to the public to get their health cards made proactively rather than waiting for illness.

He also shared that 9 new medical colleges are being established in the state, including those already operational at Fatehgarh Sahib and ESI Ludhiana. Additionally, upcoming colleges at Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Lehragaga, Malerkotla, and Ludhiana will add 600 new MBBS seats. The shortage of human resources in medical education has also been addressed, and promotions also granted to professors.

Dr. Balbir Singh said that to strengthen infrastructure, equipment worth ₹200 crore is being procured for all government medical colleges, and 22 critical care blocks with 50 beds each are being set up across districts.

He added that along with free medicines, diagnostic services are being expanded. MRI facilities will be made available in all district hospitals this year, CT scan facilities in 8 more hospitals, and 7 maternal and child hospitals with 250 beds each will be made operational soon. Over 200 empanelled private diagnostic centres are also providing X-ray and ultrasound services.

He informed that under AI-enabled screening in five districts, 9,294 women were examined, detecting 8 cases of breast cancer and 43 cases of cervical cancer. Similarly, AI-enabled eye screening of 1.07 lakh people revealed vision issues in 21,660 individuals.

The Health Minister said that under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the government has reduced the demand for drugs and broken supply chains, while also creating strong infrastructure for free treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. Skill development initiatives for recovering addicts and expansion of clinics in jails have also been undertaken.

He further stated that 883 Aam Aadmi Clinics have provided free treatment to 1.69 crore people through over 5 crore OPD consultations. The ‘CM di Yogshala’ project has also brought a new revolution in preventive healthcare, benefiting around 2 lakh people daily through 8,000 yoga sessions. Additionally, 948 general doctors and 627 super-specialist doctors have been recruited, marking the largest medical recruitment in Punjab’s history.

Dr. Balbir Singh said that IVF services will soon be started in government medical colleges at Patiala, Amritsar, and Faridkot, along with PET scan facilities in Mohali and other Government medical colleges. Advanced procedures such as cochlear implants, liver and kidney transplants, and surgeries related to heart, brain, and spine are also being conducted in these hospitals.

He added that all operation theatres at Government Rajindra Hospital have been upgraded to modular OTs, and a trauma centre is also under construction. He reiterated that the government’s main objective is to ensure quality healthcare for all 3 crore residents of the state and to make government hospitals at par with private hospitals.

Dr. Balbir Singh further informed that ‘Mission Amrit STEMI’ has been launched across 23 districts to ensure timely treatment for heart attack patients. Under this initiative, 29,000 patients with chest pain were enrolled, and 800 patients received emergency cardiac care.

He added that under the Punjab Stroke Project, an AI-enabled stroke management system has been introduced through a hub-and-spoke model, benefiting 100 patients so far, with treatment provided to 40 patients. Additionally, mental health support is being provided across the state through Tele-MANAS helpline number 14416.

Warring’s CBI Probe Remarks Expose Attempt to Shield Himself: Majithia on Dr Randhawa Suicide Case

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

Shiromani Akali Dal senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia, reacting to statements by Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on a CBI inquiry into the death of Dr Gagandeep Randhawa, said the remarks have exposed Warring’s role in aiding the Punjab government and the Chief Minister.

He alleged that at the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Warring sought to avoid a CBI probe, as he himself was facing a corruption case linked to Rajasthan bus bodies and was under pressure in that matter. Majithia claimed this was done to secure protection in the bus bodies case.

He said that while Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa has demanded a CBI probe, Raja Warring has taken a contrary stand and opposed the demand, deviating from his party’s position. According to Majithia, this was part of an effort to divide opposition voices at the behest of the Chief Minister.

He added that Congress MPs Raja Warring, Amar Singh and Sher Singh Ghubaya have not written to the Union Home Minister seeking a CBI inquiry to ensure justice for Dr Gagandeep, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating during the ongoing session that a CBI probe could be ordered if all Punjab MPs submit a written request.

Majithia said Warring began acting along these lines soon after the announcement. He demanded that the Congress high command clarify its stand on Warring’s conduct, alleging that he was helping the government suppress a sensitive case that could expose serious corruption involving ministers in the Aam Aadmi Party government.

He said that if no action is taken, it would indicate a tacit understanding between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, including at the level of Rahul Gandhi.

He further alleged that a “secret understanding” between the two parties has now come to light, with the Punjab Congress president stepping in to defend what he described as a government that only pretends to uphold honesty.

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