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Middle East Crisis: Stranded 10 days in Doha, Indian men’s basketball team finally returns | More sports News

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Middle East Crisis: Stranded 10 days in Doha, Indian men’s basketball team finally returns | More sports News


Middle East Crisis: Stranded 10 days in Doha, Indian men’s basketball team finally returns
Indian men’s basketball team (Pic credit: BFI)

NEW DELHI: After being stranded in Doha for 10 days, the Indian men’s basketball team is finally on its way back home, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) confirmed on Tuesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The team had travelled to Doha for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, but ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region disrupted international airspace and flight operations, leaving the contingent temporarily stranded in the Qatari capital.

India’s T20 World Cup win sparks celebrations | Rajeev Shukla, Tharoor & others react

The Qatar Basketball Federation stepped in to provide hotel accommodation and logistical support, ensuring the safety and security of players and staff until arrangements for their return could be made by the Embassy of India.On March 8, 2026, the team travelled by road from Doha to Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Due to limited flight availability, the delegation departed in two groups. One group flew via the Dammam-Jeddah-Mumbai route, landing at 12:05 AM, while the second group took a direct flight from Dammam to Lucknow, landing at 5:15 AM, BFI said.The federation added that its president and secretary general remained in constant contact with the FIBA Asia office, the Government of India, and the Indian Embassy in Doha to ensure the safe return of the team. “The safety and well-being of the players remained the highest priority throughout,” the BFI said.Expressing gratitude to all who assisted, the federation thanked FIBA Asia, the Qatar Basketball Federation, and the Indian embassies in Doha and Saudi Arabia. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable support and assistance during these challenging times,” the BFI statement read.


Boy George on using AI in his songwriting

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Boy George on using AI in his songwriting


Boy George admits writing 5 albums using ChatGPT, says ‘AI is brilliant, nothing to fear’
Boy George, the iconic voice of a generation, has unveiled an innovative partnership with artificial intelligence, having crafted five albums with its support. He referred to AI as ‘brilliant’ and reassured skeptics there’s ‘nothing to fear.’ The singer described how ChatGPT has been instrumental not only in shaping his lyrics but also translating his latest work, ‘I Am Iran.

The use of AI in music and the art forms has brought forth an extensive debate online. While many have been against the idea, many others have embraced using AI in their art. Singer Boy George, best known as a member of The Culture Club, is one of the many who have actively embraced artificial intelligence. Here is what the musician had to say about the matter.

Boy George opens up about using AI in his songwriting

The 64-year-old musician recently sat down for an interview on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast. During his feature, the star opened up about how he actively uses AI platforms in his art and how that has helped him create music today. Commenting, “AI is brilliant. Nothing to fear,” the famed musician admitted that around 5 of his albums have been written with the use of AI. “I have fantastic conversations with ChatGPT, and I’ll say, ‘Oh that [lyric is] crap, that’s not what I would say.’ You can train it,” he further added, citing that AI has been of great help.

Boy George gives an example of his latest song

He further cited that his latest song, ‘I Am Iran, ’ also used an AI model, which he used to translate his lyrics into Persian. “Obviously I don’t sing in Persian… I don’t write as a Persian because obviously I’m not, so I write in a way that’s very British, and it translates so interestingly into Persian,” he stated to provide further clarification.

Boy George says that AI will not really take anyone’s jobs

The singer also touched upon a sensitive debate as well. While talking about how he uses AI, the ‘Karma Chameleon’ singer stated that “I say to everyone, if you get replaced by a robot, you weren’t trying hard enough…” He also added that “Obviously, I care about people losing their jobs… But there’s so many great things.”The Culture Club singer is not the only one in recent years who has openly supported the use of AI in their music. Other big names in the industry, such as Grimes, David Guetta, deadmau5, Liza Minnelli, Paul McCartney, and many others, have actively talked about how they have used AI to make their music better.


Iran war: Strait of Hormuz crisis could choke global oil supply within a month, warns Putin

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Iran war: Strait of Hormuz crisis could choke global oil supply within a month, warns Putin


Iran war: Strait of Hormuz crisis could choke global oil supply within a month, warns Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (local time) warned that the US-Israeli war on Iran has pushed global energy markets into crisis, saying oil flows linked to the Strait of Hormuz could face a complete halt in the coming weeks. He also said Russia remains open to restoring long-term energy cooperation with European nations if they signal interest in rebuilding ties.Speaking during a televised meeting with senior government officials and executives from Russia’s major oil and gas companies, Putin said that the situation in the Middle East had begun disrupting global supplies, sending oil prices sharply higher and threatening wider economic consequences.Oil prices climbed past $100 per barrel a day earlier, reaching their highest levels since 2022. The surge follows the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war involving Iran. The narrow waterway is responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.Putin said Moscow had long cautioned that instability in the Middle East could trigger serious disruption in global energy markets, warning that such a scenario now appeared to be unfolding.“Oil production ‌dependent on ⁠the Strait of Hormuz risks halting completely within the next month. It has already begun to decline, and storage facilities in the region are filling with oil that cannot be transported…is extremely difficult to transport, or is extremely expensive to transport,” Putin said, as cited by Reuters.He further added that Russia, which is the world’s second-largest oil exporter and holds the biggest natural gas reserves, could benefit from the current market conditions. The Russian President further urged Moscow’s energy companies to be prepared to take advantage of the developments. Commenting on oil prices, Putin said that the spike may prove temporary. Oil and gas revenues account for about a quarter of Russia’s federal budget income.Putin also said Russia would be willing to rebuild energy ties with European countries if they signalled interest in restoring long-term cooperation.“We’re ready to work with Europeans too. But we ⁠need some signals from them that they’re ready and willing to work with us and will ensure this sustainability and stability,” Putin said.European nations have significantly reduced their dependence on Russian oil and gas since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine. Over the past four years, Western governments, including the European Union and the G7, imposed sanctions and moved to cut reliance on Russian energy supplies.The shift has been costly for Moscow. Europe had previously been one of Russia’s most profitable markets, and the loss of that demand has forced Russian producers to sell oil and gas to Asian buyers at heavy discounts.Last week, Putin instructed the Russian government to examine the possibility of diverting the remaining energy flows away from Europe ahead of the European Union’s plan to completely ban Russian fossil fuel imports.Before the Ukraine war, more than 40% of Europe’s gas imports came from Russia. By 2025, however, Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas together accounted for only 13% of the European Union’s total imports.Meanwhile, the Group of Seven (G7) countries said on Monday that they were prepared to take “necessary measures” to deal with rising global oil prices, although they stopped short of announcing the release of emergency reserves.


China exports surge in first two months of the year despite Trump tariffs

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China exports surge in first two months of the year despite Trump tariffs



The jump in shipments puts the world’s second largest economy on track to top the record-breaking annual trade surplus it saw in 2025.


Sanju Samson reveals he was in contact with Sachin Tendulkar during the T20 WC

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Sanju Samson reveals he was in contact with Sachin Tendulkar during the T20 WC



Sanju Samson reveals he was in contact with Sachin Tendulkar during the T20 WC

India`s T20 World Cup star Sanju Samson opened up about his conversations with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar during the recent T20 WC. The Indian opener was dropped from the playing XI in the opening games of the tournament, but later emerged as the ICC Player of the tournament for his match-winning performances for India.

Sanju Samson was drafted back into the Indian playing XI after their Super-8 defeat to South Africa. After a long score against Zimbabwe, Samson returned to his best against the West Indies in India`s must-win clash.

Samson`s score of an unbeaten 97(50) against West Indies was followed by 89(42) vs ENG in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. The Kerala-born star was yet again India`s best batter in the final against New Zealand, scoring 89 runs in just 46 deliveries. Samson`s match-winning performances earned him the Player of the Tournament trophy at the World Cup, despite playing only 4 matches.

During the trophy presentation, a visibly emotional Sanju Samson thanked god for his performances. He also revealed that he had constant contact with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar during the tough times in the tournament.

“I reached out to Sachin Tendulkar when I wasn’t in the XI. He constantly guided me and helped me out. Even yesterday, he called me and checked upon me. I’m really grateful for that”. Sanju Samson said.

Samson said he was in a bad place mentally after being dropped on the eve of the World Cup, but his conversations with Tendulkar helped him get back to his best. Tendulkar`s advice paid dividends as Samson guided India to back-to-back T20 World Cup wins.

Earlier, Shefali Verma revealed Sachin Tendulkar`s impact on her World Cup-winning performance

The Indian Women`s team won the ODI World Cup for the first time in November 2025. They defeated South Africa in the final by 52 runs, with Shefali Verma named Player of the Match for scoring 87 runs and taking two wickets.

Speaking after the match, Verma revealed that she was inspired by the talk she had with Sachin Tendulkar on the eve of the final.
“When I saw him (Sachin Tendulkar), it gave me an incredible boost. I keep talking to him, and he keeps giving me confidence. He is the master of cricket, and we keep getting inspired just looking at him,” Verma said.

Shefali Verma and Sanju Samson have both praised Sachin Tendulkar`s impact on their performances after World Cup triumphs. Despite his retirement in 2013, Tendulkar remains an influential character in Indian cricket.


Mannara Chopra breaks down after Bigg Boss 17`s Anurag Dobhal`s car crash

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Mannara Chopra breaks down after Bigg Boss 17`s Anurag Dobhal`s car crash



Mannara Chopra breaks down after Bigg Boss 17`s Anurag Dobhal`s car crash

YouTuber Anurag Dobhal, popularly known as UK07 Rider, was recently injured in a car crash. The YouTuber was admitted to Subharti Hospital in Meerut. He allegedly faced multiple fractures after crashing his Toyota Fortuner on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The incident took place during an Instagram livestream on Saturday. The accident has led to an outpouring of support on social media, with many fans hoping for his speedy recovery. Among those visibly affected by his accident was his former Bigg Boss 17 co-contestant Mannara Chopra. 

Mannara Chopra breaks down

The actress shared an emotional video message on her Instagram Stories, in which she was seen dressed in a pink kurti and holding back tears. She spoke about her bond with Anurag Dobhal in the video, saying, “When you have spent so many days in one house, you develop some human connection. I don`t cry because I feel crying doesn`t help, but I don`t know that my personal feelings, what has happened to me in the last two years and what is happening to him now are getting mixed up. I hope his parents support him.” 

Recalling his time in the Bigg Boss house, the actress shared, “He had fought a lot at the house for his parents to let him talk to them, to let him talk to his sister, his future wife, he had even taken her name.”

Mannara also opened up about Anurag`s health after the crash, urging people to prioritise emotional support over chasing material success. “What is money? If you don`t have anyone to love you, what will you do with that money? This is what I just want to tell his family. What will you do with that money?” she questioned. 

The actress further shared his health update, revealing that he has sustained multiple injuries. “He has a fracture. I don`t know why this happened at such a young age, he must be 28-29. I felt very bad because I have also gone through that phase for two years,” she concluded. 

About Anurag Dobhal`s car crash

Before the incident, Anurag had shared a two-hour-long video on YouTube, wherein he accused his parents of torture and harassment. He alleged that his parents targeted him over his marriage to Ritika, who belongs to a different caste. He also said in the video that he had been contemplating suicide.

Anurag Dobhal tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Ritika, in May 2025. The couple announced their first pregnancy in September that same year. 


Roop Durgapal says Nana Patekar, Prakash Jha taught her about acting and life

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Roop Durgapal says Nana Patekar, Prakash Jha taught her about acting and life



Roop Durgapal says Nana Patekar, Prakash Jha taught her about acting and life

Roop Durgapal is going to make her debut in the web space with Prakash Jha’s Sankalp, starring Nana Patekar, Sanjay Kapoor, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kranti Prakash Jha and Meghna Malik. 

The actress said that working alongside such talented names was like educating herself about various aspect about acting.

Sharing more on the series and her role, Roop said: ”The stellar cast is one of the vital reasons that I was excited to join the show. When everyone has had a fabulous body of work, you know there will be a lot of learning on sets & off it as well.”

She added: “Just being around Nana Patekar Sir, Prakash sir was like educating myself about various aspects of acting, making and even life as a whole. There was so much to learn from Meghna Malik ma’am as well, we bonded during lunches & dinners too. Such a fabulous actor great human being.”

Roop plays the character Madhuri, wife of actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s character.

Sharing more on him, Roop said: ”Zeeshan is a fabulous co actor, coming from NSD and having done so much work in films & web space, there was so much to learn from him. His measured approach towards scenes, command over language & fab energy were so helpful during our scenes together. I was looking forward to the set everyday.”

Roop was doing theatre and was preparing for a play when she got to know about the audition for Sankalp. Roop’s debut on OTT happened quite late in her career.

”I think till 2019, I hadn’t given it a thought to go beyond TV, its when Covid struck and our lives changed, saw people passing away, that I had a realisation that life is short, unpredictable. I felt like experimenting & doing things that scared me. Theatre being one of them.”

She added: “The idea of having no cuts, no retakes, month-long rehearsals was alien to me and scary too. But the realisation of life’s uncertainty gave me the strength to take a plunge. I did theatre, it was an amazingly satisfying journey to be on stage & not fumble. It gave me the courage to explore beyond TV & venture into webspace.”

“I think everything happens in its own time and everyone’s journey is different. Mine was meant to happen this way, I am very happy with the way it happened organically. Numbers of years don’t matter.”

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever


BCCI announces Rs 131 crore reward for India after T20 World Cup 2026 triumph | Cricket News

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BCCI announces Rs 131 crore reward for India after T20 World Cup 2026 triumph | Cricket News


BCCI announces Rs 131 crore reward for India after T20 World Cup 2026 triumph
Team India players celebrate with the trophy after winning the T20 World Cup 2026. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a cash reward of Rs 131 crore for Team India following their historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India lifted the trophy after a dominant 96-run win over New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, successfully defending their title and becoming the first team in history to retain the T20 World Cup. With this triumph, India also became the first side to win the tournament three times, cementing their status among the most successful teams in the format.

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In an official statement, the BCCI congratulated the players, support staff, and selectors for the achievement and wished them continued success. The board described the victory as a “powerful reflection of depth in the country’s cricket and the structures that nurture talent and sustain excellence at the highest level.”BCCI president Mithun Manhas hailed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the nation. “To defend the title and achieve this feat on home soil makes it even more special,” he said. He lauded captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, the squad, and the selectors for outstanding cricket throughout the tournament.ALSO READ: Team India Report Card: Perfect finish to a not-so-perfect T20 World Cup campaignBCCI secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted India’s golden phase in cricket, citing the team’s success at home in both the ICC Women’s World Cup last year and the T20 World Cup. He acknowledged former BCCI secretary Jay Shah for strengthening Indian cricket’s structures and global standing.Vice-president Rajeev Shukla, joint secretary Prabhtej Bhatia, and treasurer A Raghuram Bhat praised the team’s composure, unity, and determination, noting that meticulous planning and strong foundations contributed to the victory.India posted 255 for 5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final, before bowling out New Zealand for 159 in 19 overs. With this win, India now holds 14 ICC trophies across senior and Under-19 formats, surpassing Australia’s 13, and has established itself as the most successful team in T20 World Cup history.


Elijah Wood teases his return in upcoming The Lord of the Rings film

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Elijah Wood teases his return in upcoming The Lord of the Rings film



Elijah Wood teases his return in upcoming The Lord of the Rings film

Hollywood actor Elijah Wood is playing it smart with regards to his potential return as Frodo in the upcoming Andy Serkis-directed feature The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

The actor has neither confirmed nor denied the status of his potential return but the longtime actor said he wouldn’t want anyone else to take up the mantle as long as he is “alive and able” to play the role, reports ‘Deadline’.

The actor acknowledged co-star Ian McKellen teasing details about the forthcoming movie to fans at a convention last year.

He told The Times U.K., “It hasn’t been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag. So there is a good chance. I’m not able to officially say anything until it’s announced, but I will say I’m thrilled with the prospect of another film”.

He further mentioned, “It’s always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling. There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together”.

As per ‘Deadline’, the film is set for release in late 2027, and tells the story of what happened between the end of The Hobbit prequel trilogy and the beginning of ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

When told about Ian McKellen’s statement about him not allowing anyone else to play Gandalf, Elijah said, “Well, no, and I totally get that. I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able. And I can also recognize what fun that is going to be, when you are in the cinema and you see the hat turn around and it’s Gandalf. Because I’m also a fan, and excited to see how it all comes together”.

Beginning in 2001 with the release of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first film of the Peter Jackson-helmed trilogy catapulted Wood to a new stratosphere of stardom as he took on the lead role of Frodo, the protagonist of J. R. R. Tolkien’s books who is charged with a noble quest to save Middle-earth.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever


Ascend International beat Bombay Scottish 2-0 to enter boys U-10 Super Cup final

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Ascend International beat Bombay Scottish 2-0 to enter boys U-10 Super Cup final



Ascend International beat Bombay Scottish 2-0 to enter boys U-10 Super Cup final

Ascend International School (BKC) defeated defending champions Bombay Scottish School (Mahim) 2-0 to enter the final of the boys U-10 Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football Super Cup tournament at Azad Maidan on Monday.

Interestingly, Bombay Scottish had beaten Ascend 1-0 to win the title last year.

Ascend made a bright start and took the lead early in the sixth minute through Aushim Sagar. His attempt from outside the area slipped past Bombay Scottish goalkeeper Kabir Vora, who fumbled while trying to collect the ball, giving the BKC side a 1-0 lead. The Mahim outfit tried to respond and pushed forward in search of the equaliser. However, Ascend’s defence stayed compact and denied them clear chances. Despite their efforts, Scottish were unable to break through as Ascend carried the 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.

On resumption, the Mahim outfit tried to press for the equaliser but struggled to create clear chances as Ascend’s defence remained compact. With four minutes remaining, Nivaan Virani sealed the victory with a neat placement into the right side of the goal.

Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, Campion School (Colaba) defeated Sacred Heart Boys High School (Santacruz) 4-1 at the same venue. Hrihaan Jagtap, Aadit Dey, Abbas Attarwala and Prerit Bhansali scored for Campion, while Harman Singh netted the lone goal for Sacred Heart.

Ascend International and Campion will face each other in the final on March 10 at 3.30 pm at Azad Maidan.