How will the killing of Ali Larijani impact Iran’s leadership and the country’s security? Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid explains what Larijani’s assassination means for the war.
Published On 18 Mar 2026
How will the killing of Ali Larijani impact Iran’s leadership and the country’s security? Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid explains what Larijani’s assassination means for the war.
Published On 18 Mar 2026
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday made it clear that Rajpal Yadav would not be taken into custody, even as it vacated an earlier interim order that had suspended his sentence in a cheque bounce case.Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made the observation while refusing to pass directions on a plea filed by the complainant, who had sought cancellation of the suspension order. During the hearing, the complainant’s counsel pointed out, “My application for vacation of the suspension of sentence is also pending.”
Responding to this, Justice Sharma said, “I do not find any reason. He is not running away. He is still here. He is not running away. Kahin nahi jaa rahe (He is not going anywhere).”Earlier, on February 16, the court had granted interim relief to Yadav by suspending his sentence, which led to his release after he had been in custody since February 5.During the proceedings, Yadav appeared in person to present his case. This drew objections from the complainant’s lawyer, who argued that the actor was turning the issue into a media spectacle. “Either he (Yadav) should argue, or his counsel,” the lawyer stated.Justice Sharma, however, dismissed concerns about media coverage, asserting, “Media trial ka kya hai wo to har ek cheez ka hota rehta hai. Mujhe koi fark nahi padta. Main media dekhti hi nahi hu media mein kya hota hai… meri kaan, aankhein sab band hoti hai. Mere liye he is an ordinary litigant, you are an ordinary litigant (What about media trials? That happens with everything. It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t watch the media at all... whatever happens in the media, my ears and eyes are closed. For me, he (Yadav) is an ordinary litigant. You are an ordinary litigant.”She further clarified that Yadav was not being heard because of his celebrity status. “Just because he is an actor main inko nahi sun rahi hu. Main to koi bhi litigant aate hain unko bhi sunti hu. Aap inko importance de rahe ho. Aur ek baat aur hai ki us litigant ne nahi bola ki main so and so hu (I am not listening to him just because he is an actor. I listen to every litigant. You’re giving him importance. Another thing, this litigant didn’t say that I’m so and so),” she added.The bench has now scheduled the matter for April 1 and indicated that it will attempt to conclude the case. It also noted that if Yadav intends to settle the dispute and repay the amount involved, he should return with a formal proposal.The 55-year-old actor had recently secured interim bail from the Delhi High Court in the same case, with relief granted until March 18 to allow him to attend his niece’s wedding in Shahjahanpur.
In a relief to around 22.2% electricity consumers in Bihar, Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC), the regulatory body that sets electricity tariffs, on Wednesday announced that “there will be no increase in electricity tariffs for 2026-27 across all consumer categories.” The commission has decided to keep the tariff rate unchanged for the next financial year starting April 1, its chairman Aamir Subhani said.
In doing so, the Commission rejected the proposal of 35 paise per unit tariff increase in energy charges across all categories of both the distribution companies (discoms) – North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL).
“The proposal of the discoms to increase the energy tariff by 35 paise per unit across all consumer categories has not been accepted… There will be no increase in the electricity tariff rate in the next financial year starting from April 1. This order will remain effective till March 31 next year or the next tariff order of the Commission, whichever is earlier,” Subhani told reporters after announcing the tariff order in the presence of the full commission.
Additionally, about 2.7 million consumers, which is about 12% of the total electricity consumers in the state, will get additional relief as the electricity regulator has decided to merge its tariff slabs for DS-II (urban domestic consumers), NDS-I (rural commercial users) and NDS-II consumers (urban commercial consumers) into a single slab, keeping the energy tariff of the existing lower slab for each category. This will result in effective reduction in tariffs (in terms of energy charges) ₹Rs.1.53 per unit for DS-II (Urban Domestic Consumers), ₹0.42 per unit for NDS-I (Rural Commercial Users) and ₹Rs.1.20 per unit for NDS-II (Urban Commercial Consumers).
The new system will replace the previous system of different rates for different slabs (1-100 units and above 100 units).
At present, pre-subsidy flat rate is charged from DS-I (Domestic Rural Consumers) ₹7.42 per unit, while DS-II consumers (urban domestic consumers) are charged in two slabs. For the first 100 units, they pay a pre-subsidy rate ₹7.42 per unit and ₹Rs 8.95 per unit for energy consumption above 100 units. Similarly, NDS-I consumers (rural commercial users) pay pre-subsidy rate ₹7.79 per unit up to 100 units and ₹Rs 8.21 per unit on consumption above 100 units. NDS-II consumers (urban commercial consumers) pay pre-subsidy rate ₹7.73 per unit for first 100 units and ₹Rs 8.93 per unit on consumption above 100 units. But now, both the slabs have been merged into a single category, thereby retaining the existing lower slab’s energy tariff for each category. Its purpose is to make billing more transparent and easier to understand.
Subhani also said that consumers will continue to benefit from the concessions and discounts announced in the tariff rate of the current year (2025-26).
In a relief to traders and businessmen, the Commission reduced the prescribed tariff for NDS-II (for contract load up to 0.5 kW sub-category) from the existing one. ₹Rs 200 per connection per month ₹Subhani said, Rs 150 per connection per month.
It also reduced the existing tariff for LTIS-I (Low Tension Industrial Service Rural Consumer) category ₹288/KVA per month ₹278/kVA per month and existing charges for LTIS-II (Low Tension Industrial Service Urban Consumer) category ₹360/KVA per month ₹He said, Rs 350/KVA per month.
The Commission fixed the distribution loss trajectory for 2026-27 at 11.97% for NBPDCL and 15.91% for SBPDCL.
The tariff announced by BERC on Wednesday does not include the subsidy that the state government announces every year. At present, the state government provides a subsidy of per unit ₹Rs 4.97 for DS-I (Domestic Rural Consumers) at BERC approved rate ₹7.42, by reducing the effective energy charge ₹2.45 per unit.
Similarly the state government also gives subsidy ₹In case of DS-II (Domestic Urban Consumer) Rs. 3.30 for the first 100 units at the rate approved by BERC. ₹7.42, by reducing the effective energy charge ₹4.12 per unit. There is a per unit subsidy on energy consumption above 100 units. ₹Rs 3.43 on BERC approved tariff ₹8.95 per unit, thereby reducing the effective tariff ₹5.52 per unit.
For NDS-I (Rural Commercial Users), the government subsidy is ₹4.44 per unit for the first 100 units, thereby reducing the effective tariff rate per unit. ₹Rs 3.35 against BERC approved rate ₹7.79 per unit. There is a per unit subsidy on energy consumption above 100 units. ₹4 against the rate approved by BERC ₹8.21, reducing the effective tariff rate ₹4.21 per unit.
NDS-II consumers (urban commercial consumers) get government subsidy ₹2.06 per unit for first 100 units and ₹2.49 for energy consumption above 100 units, less the effective rate. ₹5.67 more ₹6.44 per unit for the first 100 units and energy consumption beyond 100 units respectively.
The government is likely to announce subsidies on electricity tariff rates for the next financial year 2026-27 in the next few days, when the effective per unit tariff rate will be known.
Additionally, the state government provides 125 units of free electricity to the state’s 18.6 million domestic electricity consumers, leading to monthly savings. ₹Every urban consumer gets a saving of Rs 550, while other consumers in rural areas who consume up to 125 units get a saving. ₹ 306 per month. Free electricity is being provided under the Chief Minister Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme.
The regulator also allowed the discom’s proposal to include mushroom cultivation (except processing and manufacturing with mushrooms) under the agriculture category of consumers in the financial year 2026-27.
This move will help small farmers engaged in mushroom cultivation as the tariff rates applicable to agriculture will now be applicable on it.
Cultivation under this provision will include all methods of cultivation including the use of air conditioners or other power-driven gadgets used exclusively for mushroom cultivation.
Mixed response from industries:
Bihar Industries Association (BIA) president Ram Lal Khaitan said BERC has not increased the per unit electricity tariff for different categories of consumers, but the industry was expecting a reduction in tariffs this year. He reminded that three years ago, consumers faced a huge and unexpected increase in tariffs, which continues to burden them.
Khaitan highlighted that during the public hearing, BIA had strongly advocated for passing on the benefits of improved financial performance of power discoms to consumers through lower tariffs, including benefits from lower transmission and distribution losses. However, these expectations have not been met in the current order.
Sanjay Bhartiya, chairman of the BIA’s energy committee, expressed concern over the persistently high kilovolt-ampere (KVA) tariffs, which had almost doubled three years ago and remained unchanged despite no incentive support from the government.
“We had expected a rational reduction in KVA charges especially to support industrial consumers. The absence of such relief has caused considerable disappointment in the industrial sector,” he said.
Despite these concerns, BIA welcomed several positive steps taken by BERC, including rejecting proposals for a steep increase in KVA charges by up to 85% and placing a cap on incentives for online bill payments – both of which were opposed by BIA during the public consultation process.
BIA also appreciated the merger of DS-II and NDS-I and NDS-II consumer categories into a single slab while retaining the lower slab energy tariff. The move is expected to provide effective tariff relief of approx. ₹1.53 per unit for DS-II, ₹0.42 per unit for NDS-I, and ₹Rs.1.20 per unit for NDS-II consumers.
Additionally, BIA welcomed the reduction in fixed charges for industrial categories, which also reduced LTIS-I charges. ₹From Rs 288/KVA/month ₹Rs.278/KVA/month and LTIS-II charges reduced ₹From Rs 360/KVA/month ₹Rs.350/KVA/month.
BIA recommended that similar rationalization and slab-merger measures should also be extended to high tension (HT) consumer categories to ensure comprehensive relief in industrial areas.
Khaitan expressed hope that BERC and the state government may revisit the tariff order and take further steps to reduce the financial burden on consumers, especially industries, to support economic growth and competitiveness in Bihar.

The medical panel of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suspects that veteran players, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, might not have been 100 per cent fit when they were picked in the national squad for the concluded T20 World Cup 2026.
The same concerns were raised by senior selector Aaqib Javed at a media conference last week, and he said the board would investigate the matter.
A source close to the board said that Dr Javed Mughal has expressed his concerns after examining the two players after the conclusion of the global showpiece. Dr Mughal is a UK-based consultant on sports physiotherapy and medicine, and he joined the PCB medical team as director of sports exercise and medicine in January.
The matter emerged after Babar`s refusal to feature in the National T20 Championship after the global event, citing hamstring irritation. On the other hand, Fakhar reported a similar issue.
“When Babar was examined his injury turned out to be more serious than initially diagnosed while Fakhar also has been struggling with the same problem for months now,” the source said.
On the other hand, the source also said that the national selection committee has made it clear that both players were picked in the squad after receiving medical clearance from the Pakistan team`s physiotherapist, Cliffe Deacon.
On the other hand, in The Hundred player auction, the Sunrisers Leeds became the first Indian-owned franchise to pick Pakistan cricketer Abrar Ahmed.
The franchise, which is owned by Chennai-based media conglomerate Sun Group, purchased his services for approximately Rs 2.34 crore.
The franchise also faced backlash following Abrar`s signing, with the team`s X account suspended briefly. It was suspended just hours after the team signed Abrar. The platform did not provide a precise explanation for it, but said “Account suspended” when trying to open it.
After Usman Tariq, who was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 140,000 (about Rs 1.72 crore), Abrar was the second Pakistani player sold at the auction. However, the Phoenix franchise is not connected to the IPL and has American owners.
No franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has signed any Pakistani player since 2009 due to strained relations between India and Pakistan.
Abrar`s acquisition did not go down well with the fans, who reacted on the Sunrisers Leeds official X account. Several fans took to social media and criticised the Sunrisers franchise and the owner, Kavya Maran, for signing a Pakistani player amidst the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
(With PTI Inputs)
Cognitive warmup. It was in January 2023 when Buzzfeed Inc. CEO Jonah Peretti announced in a memo to staff that the company was making a hard pivot to AI. Two points to remember. First, this happened two months after OpenAI’s ChatGPT caught everyone’s fancy. Second, many years before the word “slop” became a real thing, much to the annoyance of AI bros.

The transition Jonah Peretti was talking about—using AI to generate articles and other content on the website. Turns out, the readers didn’t want that. Buzzfeed has posted a $57.3 million loss in 2025, underlining a disastrous infatuation with Artificial Intelligence.
Perhaps the choice of the name for Meta Platforms Inc.’s next AI models should’ve been a giveaway—it is incredibly difficult to time when an Avocado is ripe and ready. It is now being reported that after spending billions on its AI pursuit through last year, Meta feels that Avocado models are still behind rivals including Google Gemini. The challenge here might be that previous testing pegged Meta AI on a par or better than Gemini 2.5, but Google then rolled out Gemini 3.0 late last year, which itself was a step forward.
After all, it was only last year that CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the Meta AI communications pitch had called the Llama models “most advanced in the industry”. For Avocado to succeed them as it is supposed to, it’ll have to be a big leap forward. I’m sure there will be iterations in different parameters, once the Avocado family is ready for primetime.
Anthropic PBC’s Claude can now create custom charts, diagrams and other visual elements as part of a chat. The latest update automatically adds the visual element based on context. The rollout is in beta, for all subscription tiers, including the free tier (at least for now).
Soon after, OpenAI said ChatGPT will generate dynamic visuals when you ask it to explain select scientific and mathematical concepts, including the Pythagorean Theorem, Coulomb’s Law and lens equations. ChatGPT will respond with interactive visuals when asked about more than 70 concepts, with expectations that support for additional topics will be added in due course. The visuals feature is available to all ChatGPT users, regardless of subscription status.
I have absolutely no idea why AI bros are so obsessed with innate biological necessities and human habits. Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman went on and on about how much energy it takes to train an AI model and how much energy it takes to train a human. Of course, someone had to catch that cue and carry it forward. I’m not entirely surprised it is Perplexity’s Srinivas, who has been uncharacteristically less talkative on X (it is generally not a bad thing when AI execs post less on social media) these past few months.
But he’s back, with a pearl of wisdom that “A computer used to be a person” and that their new product called Perplexity Computer “never sleeps”. Because, apparently, “for a single person to build a 1B company, what’s the single biggest disadvantage they have? They have to sleep at night”.
For someone to start a monologue on X equating computers with humans and then set the context by saying “when astronomers had questions, their apprentices were the ones who actually did the work to try to find answers” and therefore they are the computers, is actually not making any sense at all. I’ll see if you can.
Srinivas is pitching what he calls a persistent digital proxy, which can turn a Mac into a locally run AI system.
There’s snake oil. And then there’s this. “Everyone talks about ‘the first one-person, one-billion-dollar company’. It’s a meme,” Srinivas says. How many of you have finally stopped falling for these grandiose, philosophical and specious AI pitches?
Neural Dispatch is your weekly guide to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. Want this newsletter delivered straight into your inbox? Subscribe here.

Sudhanshu Pandey is back on television after his stint in Anupamaa, this time with Do Duniya Ek Dil, and the actor couldn’t be more excited about the layered character he brings to life. In an exclusive chat, he opened up about what drew him back to TV, his approach to acting, and his perspective on fame and social media.
Talking about his role, Sudhanshu highlighted the complexity that made it appealing. “Dark side is one of his sides. There are many sides to him. And that is what makes the character very interesting. If any character is too linear, then I don`t enjoy doing it,” he shared. He added that unpredictability is what keeps both him and the audience engaged. “I enjoy doing that character which is not linear at all. And it`s unpredictable. When, what will he do? This audience doesn`t guess. Then it`s fun. That is how they feel surprised also. And I think that`s how they love it.”
The actor emphasised his effort to bring depth to the role. “And I have always tried. And that is what my effort in this show is going to be. Because the character is written very very nicely. The basic sketch is written beautifully. Abhijeet Sinha has also written a very good story. So now I am trying to present this beautiful character with more beauty. This is my aim now.”
Describing the nuances of his character, he explained how different environments bring out different facets. “So this guy is a little more polished. Because he is a big businessman. And his way of getting up and sitting is with such people who are very high profile. But still he is a desi. So you will see his desi nature in many places.” He continued, “When he is sitting among the high profile people, you will see a different side of him. And when he is with his family, his wife, you will see a different side of him. And when he is with his daughter, you will see a different side of him. So there are many layers of him. And in every layer, you will see a different side of him.”
He also spoke about maintaining balance in the portrayal. “I have kept the language very balanced. That he shouldn`t be too desi. Because he is a big guy. And he is a little polished. But somewhere or the other, you will see his desi nature.”
With a powerful role, a strong script, and a clear sense of self, Sudhanshu Pandey’s return to television promises to be both impactful and refreshing.
NEW DELHI: Former England captain Jos Buttler has admitted he had a disappointing T20 World Cup but insists his international career is not over. The experienced batter scored just 87 runs in eight innings as England cricket team reached the semi-finals before losing to India cricket team. Despite the setback, he believes he can return to his best form.
Reflecting on his performance, Buttler said, “Obviously I had a poor tournament, which is disappointing,” but remained hopeful, adding, “But I have been playing some of the best cricket of my (career) in recent years, so hopefully I can get back to playing my best.” He also made it clear he still wants to play for England, saying, “I certainly have ambitions (to play for England again), but no longer being a captain, I am not a selector and whatever, so what will be, will be.”
After the World Cup, Buttler took a break in France with his family to mentally reset. “I couldn’t have been further away from cricket, which for me at the time was just perfect,” he said, explaining the need to step back. He added, “It is exactly what I needed,” he continued. The break helped him reflect on his game and mindset. “It was really refreshing, I really enjoyed it, a complete sort of release,” he said. Accepting that things didn’t go his way, Buttler concluded, “It wasn’t for a lack of effort, it just didn’t quite happen.”

After a first-of-its-kind global fan-driven trailer tease, Tom Holland spectacularly unveiled the full trailer from atop the iconic Empire State Building, surrounded by passionate Spider-Man fans as the sun rose over New York City, marking a truly unforgettable moment for audiences worldwide.
Following the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living completely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Now, his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) have forgotten who he is and looks at him as just a `friendly neighbour`. Alone and grieving the death of his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), Peter dons a new comic-accurate red-and-blue suit and sets off once again to save the day.
Fighting crime in a New York that no longer knows his name, he devotes himself entirely to protecting the city as a full-time Spider-Man. However, as the demands intensify, the mounting pressure triggers a surprising physical evolution that threatens his very existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.
The trailer also marks the return of Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, a professor to whom Peter Parker turns to in difficult times.
There are several new and returning faces from the Marvel universe in Brand New Day. In addition to Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk and Jon Bernthal as the Punisher, Michael Mando’s Scorpion is back from Spider-Man: Homecoming. Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), Tramell Tillman (Severance), Liza Colon-Zayas (The Bear) and Marvin Jones II, who’s playing the gangster Tombstone, also join the cast.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man alongside Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman in pivotal roles.
Produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment India, the film will release in theatres on July 31 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam across all premium formats.

Newcastle United midfielder Jacob Murphy issued a rallying cry to his team ahead of their Champions League Round-of-16 second-leg clash against Barcelona here on Wednesday.
The magpies put on an impressive display in the first leg at home, but a late penalty converted by Lamine Yamal leaves the tie finely poised at 1-1. However, any suggestion of Newcastle playing on the back foot was dismissed by Murphy. “It’s a Round of 16 second leg, [with] all to play for. We showed what we could do in that game so we’re ready to go there and give them a war,” said Murphy.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon (right) celebrates scoring against Chelsea recently. Pic/Getty Images
He added that they will be taking a lot of confidence into the Barcelona encounter from the previous English Premier League fixture too — a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
“We had to dig in. But it was a disciplined [effort]. There was a lot of trust that everyone was going to do what was required of them in every moment. I think that that’s an out-of-possession performance we should be looking at very proudly,” Murphy added.
Six
Newcastle’s current unbeaten streak in the UCL (three wins and three draws)
29
No. of years since Newcastle’s last win over Barcelona across all European competitions
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Fans of Ranveer Singh`s Dhurandhar: The Revenge faced disappointment on Wednesday as paid preview shows in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana were reportedly cancelled just hours before their scheduled start. As confusion spread among audiences, the makers addressed the issue, citing technical difficulties and assuring that revised show timings will be updated soon.
The makers issued a statement, writing, “To our dear Dhurandhar family, Dhurandhar is not just a film for us—it is something we have lived with, nurtured, and dreamed of sharing with each and every one of you, together, at the same moment, in every language. Most of our Hindi shows across India are running as scheduled from 5 pm onwards. All of our Tamil and Telugu shows will commence from 9 pm onwards. However, due to unforeseen technical difficulties, our Malayalam and Kannada shows will begin from tomorrow morning.”
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They added, “If the dubbed version you have tickets for is not currently playing at your cinema, you will have the option of a refund or to watch the Hindi version with subtitles instead. We truly apologise for the inconvenience. Your love for this film means the world to us, and we cannot wait to share it with you.”
Reports suggest that the cancellations are primarily affecting regional dubbed versions and select international screenings, where the required print files failed to arrive in time. The much-anticipated paid previews faced widespread disruption across India, with major chaos reported in Mumbai as well, including verbal altercations between moviegoers and theatre staff.
Project coordinator Manjari Varu said, “We came from Gaiety Galaxy to Movie Hub Goregaon East because we were told that the 4:45 and 5:15 shows got cancelled, apparently due to some password not being received at the last minute and some print issues that did not reach the theatres. Single screens were affected the most, as they said, and refunds will be issued. They also mentioned that the 9:00 and 9:30 shows are available, but even that wasn’t certain. So we had to come all the way from Gaiety to Hub Goregaon East.” A cinegoer also stated how her show was scheduled at 6:30 pm, but it didn`t start till 7 pm.
The film will open during the festive window of Eid, Gudi Padwa, and Ugadi, positioning it for a major box-office debut. In line with its pan-India ambitions, the spy action film will release in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.