Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai. Subsequent searches of her residence uncovered gold jewelry valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total seizure to ₹17.29 crore. Ranya, who had traveled to Dubai 27 times in the past six months, initially confessed to possessing 17 gold bars but later claimed she was 'trapped' and alleged mistreatment by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials. In response to the incident, her stepfather, DGP K Ramachandra Rao, has been placed on compulsory leave, with KV Sharath Chandra appointed as his interim replacement.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold valued at approximately Rs 12.5 crore. Investigations revealed that she had made 30 trips to Dubai within a year, allegedly smuggling gold each time. Authorities discovered she used customized clothing to conceal the gold and claimed to be the daughter of an Additional Director General of Police to bypass security checks. Further examination of her mobile contacts uncovered frequent communication with influential figures, leading to the arrest of star hotel owner Tarun Raj for purchasing smuggled gold from her. Ranya has denied coercion during interrogation, and her bail plea verdict is pending.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating ceasefire talks by setting unrealistic preconditions. Putin's cautious approach to the U.S.-proposed 30-day truce suggests he wants to reject it without directly opposing former U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy believes Putin is stalling negotiations while appearing open to talks. Meanwhile, Trump found Putin’s remarks "promising" and expressed optimism about a potential agreement. The situation reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, with Ukraine urging the U.S. to impose tougher sanctions on Russia amid international mediation efforts.

Aamir Khan has confirmed his relationship with Gauri, a friend he met 25 years ago. At a media event before his 60th birthday, he introduced her and said they have been together for a year and a half. He also revealed that he introduced Gauri to Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan at his Mumbai home. Gauri works in production, and Aamir sings to her every day. He said his children are happy for him. Aamir was previously married to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao. He shares a strong bond with both his ex-wives and co-parents his children.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned prominent YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), Ashish Chanchlani, and comedian Samay Raina over derogatory remarks made during the show 'India's Got Latent'. The comments, deemed vulgar and offensive, have sparked public outrage. A hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2025, at the NCW office in New Delhi. The NCW emphasized that such language violates the dignity and respect owed to individuals, especially in a society that upholds equality and mutual respect. The commission has taken serious note of these remarks and is addressing the issue to ensure accountability and uphold societal values.

Fashion designers Shivan and Narresh apologised after their outdoor fashion show in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, sparked controversy for being held during Ramzan. Several political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, condemned the event as "obscene" and hurting religious sentiments. Abdullah ordered an investigation, stating the government had no involvement. The designers said their intent was to celebrate creativity, not offend. The BJP criticized opposition parties for politicizing the issue. The viral video of the event, posted by Elle India, was later removed after backlash. The J&K Assembly witnessed chaos as politicians demanded a probe.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025 celebrated excellence in Bollywood on March 9 in Jaipur. Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies and the action thriller Kill won major accolades. Kartik Aaryan bagged the Best Actor award, adding to the night’s highlights. The grand event saw dazzling performances and the presence of top Bollywood stars. The awards recognized outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, with fans cheering their favorite actors and filmmakers. Jaipur hosted the glamorous evening, making it a memorable night for the film fraternity.

Yo Yo Honey Singh, once India's top rapper, is back after a 7-year hiatus battling addiction and mental health struggles. The 41-year-old, known for hits like Brown Rang, admits fame led him to drugs and self-destruction. His Netflix documentary Famous highlights his rise, fall, and recovery. Singh, now sober, seeks redemption, though critics say his new music lacks edge. "I was away, but I will drive everyone mad again," he declared. Fans remain divided—some applaud his honesty, while others question if he has truly changed. His comeback tour is currently underway.

Gene Hackman, the esteemed 95-year-old actor renowned for his roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," was found deceased alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Autopsy reports indicate Hackman died from cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor, while Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal respiratory disease transmitted by rodents. Arakawa's last known communication was on February 11, suggesting she passed away first. Due to Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's, authorities believe he may have been unaware of his wife's death, living for approximately a week afterward. Both deaths have been classified as natural causes.     

A Match sheds light on the humiliating realities of arranged marriages in India. Directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar, the film follows Savita, a young woman forced to endure repeated rejections based on her skin color and height. Lead actress Nandini Chikte called the process “very humiliating.” The film also highlights dowry struggles, with Savita’s father contemplating selling land for her marriage. Featuring first-time actors from rural Maharashtra, Sthal challenges deep-rooted patriarchal traditions and seeks to spark debate on women's agency in marriage. The film releases in Indian theaters this Friday.