The oscars surprised with a timely finish this year, starting and hour early ar 7/6c. Jimmy Kimmel's Oscars monologue featured a heartfelt tribute to crew members who stood with Hollywood during strikes. A dog named Messi stole hearts, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph's acceptance speech was touching. John Cena's playful nod to a historic streaker moment added humor. However, Robert Downey Jr.'s seemingly cold response to an award and the distracting dance moves during the In Memoriam drew criticism. The highlight was John Cena's risqué entry, as he hesitated to present an award fully clothed.

The extended absence of Princess Kate Middleton continues to stir controversy. A photo released by Kensington Palace, aimed at confirming her whereabouts, faced backlash. Top media outlets Reuters and Associated Press retracted the image, citing concerns about manipulation due to inconsistencies in Princess Charlotte's hand alignment. Intended to quell speculations, the photo, supposedly taken by Prince William in Windsor, has instead reignited debate on social media. Critics argue the controversy persists, adding a layer of uncertainty to the situation.

Chinese spy ships, Xiang Yang Hong 01 and 03, are active in the Indian Ocean Region, with 01 heading towards India's eastern seaboard and 03 docked at Male. Despite a one-year moratorium against survey vessels in Sri Lanka, intelligence suggests 01 may dock in Colombo. The vessels, monitored by the Indian Navy, ostensibly conduct hydrographic surveys but may also monitor missile tests and Indian nuclear submarines. India has three nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, the latest undergoing trials. The situation raises security concerns amid regional geopolitical dynamics.

At the 96th Academy Awards, "Oppenheimer" claimed seven victories, including Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), and Best Actor (Cillian Murphy). The acclaimed atomic-bomb thriller also secured awards for Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Film Editing, Score, and Cinematography. Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things" earned four Oscars, with Emma Stone winning Best Actress. Al Pacino casually announced "Oppenheimer" as the Best Picture winner. Jimmy Kimmel made a playful remark about Christopher Nolan's aversion to smartphones. The show concluded with a humorous nod to Kimmel's "nemesis" Matt Damon, featuring Messi, the dog from "Anatomy of a Fall," at Damon's Walk of Fame star.

In a Ramadan message, President Biden affirmed the US commitment to securing an immediate six-week ceasefire, aiding Gaza, and pursuing a deal for hostages' release. Emphasizing a lasting peace, he advocated a two-state solution, ensuring equal freedom, dignity, security, and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis. The President's address outlines ongoing efforts for stability, aligning with the spirit of Ramadan and a vision for enduring peace in the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts, along with global support, are credited with preventing a potential Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine, according to a CNN report. US officials claim that PM Modi's outreach, alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping's statements, influenced President Putin to abandon the nuclear threat amid setbacks on the battlefield. The report suggests that as Ukrainian forces closed in on Kherson, fears of a Russian nuclear response grew. The US sought international support, including from India, to dissuade Russia. India, consistently advocating for peace, had PM Modi emphasizing a commitment to peaceful resolutions during the SCO summit in September 2022.

In a unique twist for the 2024 Lok Sabha Election in West Bengal's Bishnupur constituency, Sujata Mondal Khan, now with Trinamool Congress (TMC), faces off against her ex-husband, Saumitra Khan, representing BJP. The couple divorced in 2020 after Sujata joined TMC, prompting Saumitra to sever ties. He urged her to drop the 'Khan' surname. Saumitra, the current MP, expressed surprise at Sujata's candidacy, wishing for a more seasoned politician. This sets the stage for a compelling electoral battle, as the former partners clash in a political showdown.

At the Oscars, Billie Eilish and Mark Ruffalo, along with other celebrities, wore red pins advocating for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. The pins, provided by Artists4Ceasefire, represented collective support for immediate peace, release of hostages, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. Notable signatories include Bradley Cooper, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Drake, and Jennifer Lopez. Despite being nominated, Eilish and Ruffalo visibly displayed the pins during the broadcast. Ramy Youssef, a presenter, expressed surprise at the lack of questions about the war on red carpets earlier in the season, emphasizing a simple plea to stop harming children.

Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 Indian fishermen, accusing them of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. Thirteen are from Mayiladuthurai, two each from Nagapattinam and Pudukkottai, and one each from Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, and Chennai. Two others are from Karaikal. The arrest led to a fishing activity stoppage in Jegathapattinam. In the first incident, seven fishermen were seized from a group of 70 boats near Neduntheevu. Another 15 were arrested off Karaikal. Two boats were confiscated. The fishermen were handed over to the Sri Lankan fisheries department, sparking condemnation and protests.

Three killed, multiple injured in a shooting at a private party in Jonesboro, Arkansas, around 5 am on Sunday. Victims include a man and woman, acquaintances of the shooter, who also died. Another woman, an acquaintance, was injured. Three unrelated individuals were also injured, and one additional person hospitalized. Police yet to disclose motive. Investigation ongoing. Jonesboro, 70 miles northeast of Little Rock.