Arjun Tendulkar is set to marry fiancée Saaniya Chandhok in a three-day ceremony from March 3-5, 2026, according to Times of India reports. The wedding will be an intimate, private affair with a curated guest list comprising family, close friends, and select cricket community members. The couple got engaged in August 2025 in a low-key ceremony, with Sachin Tendulkar confirming the news during a Reddit AMA. Saaniya Chandhok is an entrepreneur and designated Partner-Director at Mr Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP. She's the granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai, head of Graviss Group, which manages Mumbai's Intercontinental Hotel and recorded Rs 624 crore revenues in FY23-24. (PC: Instagram)

India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya sparked widespread ridicule after mispronouncing Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—two of India's most iconic football clubs during a crucial ISL press conference on January 6, 2026. The minister was announcing that the stalled ISL 2025-26 season would resume February 14 with all 14 clubs participating, ending months of uncertainty. However, his pronunciation gaffes calling them "Mohan Baigan" and "East Baigan" instantly overshadowed the positive announcement and became viral on social media. The slip-up triggered backlash and reopened questions about football awareness at top government levels. Mandaviya appeared alongside AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and club representatives during the announcement meant to signal stability for Indian football.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro sparked renewed interest in his Hindu spiritual connections after appearing publicly wearing a luxury wristwatch featuring Lord Ganesha. The timepiece adds to Maduro's well-documented affinity for Indian spirituality, particularly his devotion to Sathya Sai Baba. He has previously been photographed wearing kalawa (sacred thread), and Venezuela once issued National Day invitations decorated with the Om (ॐ) symbol under his leadership. The Ganesha watch images went viral on social media, prompting fresh discussions about his faith influences. This visible Hindu symbolism at both personal and state levels highlights how Indian spiritual elements continue appearing prominently in Maduro's public life, even amid his current detention in the US. (PC: Instagram)

The United States has seized a second oil tanker linked to Venezuelan oil in the Caribbean, the US Southern Command said on Wednesday. The vessel, identified as the M/T Sophia, was taken in international waters and is being escorted to the United States, officials said. This follows the earlier capture of a Russian-flagged tanker, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic. US forces and the Coast Guard conducted the operations under sanctions enforcement for carrying oil tied to Venezuela. The actions are part of wider US efforts to disrupt sanctioned oil shipments. No details on crew or cargo were released. (PC: BBC)

Ladakh has welcomed its first multiplex with the launch of a PVR INOX two-screen cinema in Leh town, perched at about 11,500 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest multiplexes in India. The facility, opened on December 20, 2025, offers advanced 2K projection, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and 3D technology, attracting locals, tourists and army families seeking indoor entertainment in the region’s harsh winter conditions. Previously, Leh relied on a mobile digital theatre. While many residents are excited, some locals worry the cinema could influence cultural identity amid ongoing discussions on preserving Ladakh’s heritage. (PC: The Telegraph)

The US has confirmed seizing the oil tanker Marinera (formerly M/V Bella 1) in the North Atlantic for violating US sanctions on Russia and Venezuela. The US European Command announced the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security seized the vessel pursuant to a federal court warrant after tracking by USCGC Munro. The tanker had been sailing under a Russian flag after renaming from its Guyana registration while fleeing US pursuit in the Atlantic. Three US Air Force special operations aircraft departed Scotland's Wick Airport heading toward Iceland's Reykjavik, with a British RAF military transport also heading there, though their connection to the tanker operation remains unclear. The announcement follows White House comments suggesting military action in Greenland remains "always an option." (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan Army's ISPR chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, sparked controversy by using the colloquial phrase "Maza na karaya toh paise wapas" (If you don't enjoy it, get your money back) while threatening India. During a briefing, he claimed India won't accept Pakistan's existence and alleged Kabul acts as an "Indian proxy." Chaudhry stated Pakistan's destiny remains in its own hands, warning provocatively: "Come from wherever, come alone or with someone. If it's not enjoyable, you'll get your money back." This follows previous controversy when he winked at journalist Absa Koman while calling jailed former PM Imran Khan a "mental patient." Pakistan's leadership has accused Afghanistan, India, and TTP of conspiring against Islamabad.

US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him regarding India's pending defence purchases and trade issues, particularly delayed Apache helicopter deliveries. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump recounted Modi's request: "Sir, may I see you please? Yes!" He stated India had ordered Apache helicopters that remained undelivered for five years before Modi intervened. Trump emphasized his strong personal rapport with the Indian leader, saying "I have a very good relationship with him." The remarks highlight Trump's continued focus on bilateral relations with India, touching on both defence cooperation and trade matters. Trump's comments come amid ongoing discussions about US-India strategic partnerships and commercial ties between the two nations.

Security forces have come into contact with militants linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in the forest near Kamadh Nullah in Kathua district, officials said. The encounter began on Wednesday evening in Kahog village after security teams received information about the presence of two to three suspected militants. Forces from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Kathua have been searching the area and are engaged with the hiding suspects. Reinforcements have been sent to the scene to support the ongoing operation. Police and army units continue to tighten the cordon around the area. No casualties have been confirmed so far. (PC: HT)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced that the 18th-century Quran on which he swore his oath of office will be publicly exhibited at the New York Public Library’s main branch. The manuscript, copied in Ottoman Syria and once owned by Black scholar Arturo Schomburg, was part of Mamdani’s private midnight swearing-in ceremony as the city’s first Muslim mayor. Written in black ink with red markings and intended for everyday use rather than ornamentation, the Quran is now presented with photos from the ceremony to symbolize inclusion and shared civic heritage. (PC: NDTV)