Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla fulfilled a promise he made six years ago by participating in the wedding rituals of the daughter of a martyr from Pulwama, held in Kota, Rajasthan. He took part in the traditional ceremonies typically performed by the bride’s uncle or her mother’s brother.

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’. He is the representative of the Kota-Bundi constituency in Parliament and attended the wedding of 25-year-old Reena, the daughter of Hemraj Meena, who died in the Pulwama attack, in the Sangod area of Kota.

Who was Hemraj Meena?

Hemraj Meena served as a head constable in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was from Vinod Kalan village in Sangod, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife, Madhubala Meena, and their daughter Reena. Hemraj lost his life in the 2019 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

In the wake of Hemraj’s death, Om Birla pledged to support his family. Since then, he has been actively involved in their lives, celebrating festivals and providing assistance.

At the wedding, Birla played a significant role by presenting a ceremonial ‘odhni’ and other gifts to Madhubala, while also honouring the memory of Hemraj Meena and taking part in numerous wedding rituals. State Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar accompanied him at the event.

Birla expressed his emotions about the occasion by sharing photos from the ceremony on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “My heart is filled with pride and joy that our daughter Reena is now going to start her new life. This moment is not only emotionally significant for the family but also a source of pride, as it reflects the love, values, and aspirations that have come to fruition. The unique sacrifice and unwavering dedication of Martyr Hemraj Meena Ji to our nation continue to inspire us all.”

He concluded by wishing for Reena’s married life to be filled with love, trust, and harmony, praying that she always finds happiness, prosperity, and respect in her new journey.

In a groundbreaking decision, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Friday that it will introduce a new Oscar category, Best Stunt Design, to recognize the artistry of stunt work, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for films released in 2027. This historic step celebrates a craft integral to cinema since its inception, marking a victory for stunt professionals after decades of advocacy.

The announcement follows persistent efforts from industry insiders, spearheaded by director and former stuntman David Leitch—known for The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Deadpool 2—and veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. Their compelling presentations to the Academy’s Board of Governors paved the way for this long-overdue recognition. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been a vital part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”

The Academy echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “Stunts have always been part of the magic of movies. Now, they’re part of the Oscars. The Academy has created a new annual award for Achievement in Stunt Design—beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.”

The decision drew enthusiastic responses worldwide. Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media: “At last!! After a 100-year wait!!! Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to The Academy, CEO Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang for honoring the power of stunt work. Thrilled to see #RRRMovie’s action visuals shining in the announcement!”

Leitch reflected on the milestone, saying, “This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.” Similarly, John Wick director Chad Stahelski lauded the Academy’s decision as a nod to the collaborative spirit of stunt teams. “It’s great to see the Academy truly listening to the stunt community,” he told Variety, highlighting the importance of recognizing an entire department rather than a single individual.

Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, hailed it as “a historic moment for our community,” adding, “This validates the passion, innovation, creativity, and hard work behind every fall, fight, and fireball.” The push for recognition gained momentum in recent years, bolstered by films like The Fall Guy and support from actors such as Winston Duke.

Details on the award’s criteria and voting process will be finalized in the 2027 Academy Awards rulebook, with presentation logistics to be determined later. Meanwhile, online reactions have spotlighted legends like Jackie Chan, with fans noting that this category—while a triumph—comes late for icons whose groundbreaking stunts have long defined cinematic excellence. Social media buzz reflects a mix of celebration and bittersweet sentiment, as the Oscars finally catch up to a craft fans have revered for generations.

In a tragic incident on April 9, an Air India Express pilot suffered a fatal cardiac arrest shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airline confirmed the sudden demise, which has left colleagues and the aviation community in shock.

According to Air India Express, the pilot, identified as Armaan, began feeling unwell immediately after the aircraft touched down in Delhi. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel declared him deceased.

Colleagues later revealed that Armaan had vomited inside the cockpit following the landing and subsequently collapsed at the airline’s dispatch office at the airport, where he suffered the cardiac arrest, as per the reports.

In a statement, an Air India Express spokesperson expressed deep sorrow, saying, “We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with his family during this time of profound grief. We are extending all possible support to them as we collectively cope with this tremendous loss. We request all concerned to respect their privacy and refrain from speculation while we assist the relevant authorities in their processes.”

The incident has raised concerns about the health and working conditions of pilots, especially as the aviation industry faces scrutiny over fatigue and stress. In a related development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has postponed the implementation of new pilot rest rules, originally scheduled for June 2024. These updated Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms were designed to enhance pilot well-being by increasing weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours and reducing night flying hours from 13 to 10, aiming to combat fatigue.

However, airlines had requested additional time—approximately 8 to 10 months—to comply, arguing that the changes would require hiring 20–25 percent more pilots. Despite initially insisting on the deadline, the DGCA has now allowed carriers to continue operating under the 2019 rules until their revised plans are approved. Officials stated that the delay would provide an opportunity for further review and refinement of the regulations to ensure they are practical and effective.