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.

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

US President Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed confidence in India-US trade ties, even as his administration moves forward with a 25% import tariff on all vehicles, effective April 2.

Calling India “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world,” Trump noted the issue remains central to trade negotiations. However, he also stressed the strength of his personal rapport with PM Modi, saying: “He is a very smart man and a great friend of mine.”

Trump added that his recent discussions with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone well and expressed optimism, saying: “I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country.”

Trump, who has long criticized India’s trade practices, reiterated that the country remains one of the highest tariff-imposing nations. His declaration of “reciprocal tariffs” suggests countries like India should brace for economic pushback. “They charge us, we charge them,” Trump said recently.

But despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump’s remarks about PM Modi paint a completely different picture — one of camaraderie, not confrontation. “We had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country,” he added.

The vehicle tariff, which Trump announced earlier this week, is expected to impact nearly half of all vehicles sold in the US, including those built abroad by American companies. The move is part of the administration’s broader push for “reciprocal tariffs”, with Trump asserting: “They charge us, we charge them.”

Praise, pressure, and political convenience?

Trump’s warm words for Modi come just weeks after the Indian PM visited Washington DC in February. The two leaders launched “Mission 500”, a goal to double India-US trade to $500 billion by 2030. But while the mission sounds ambitious, it’s unclear how it aligns with a 25% import duty on a key sector like automobiles.

Critics argue that Trump’s approach — praising allies while penalizing them economically — reflects a broader pattern of political double-speak. On one hand, the US demands fairer access to foreign markets. On the other, it escalates trade tensions through blanket tariffs.

Vehicle tariffs: protection or provocation?

The new tariff, set to hit half of all vehicles sold in the US — including American-made cars assembled abroad — has already raised concerns among automakers and trade analysts. If India chooses to respond, the so-called “good talks” Trump refers to could quickly turn sour.

While the White House pitches the move as pro-jobs and pro-fairness, its timing — coupled with contradictory praise — raises doubt about the coherence of US trade policy, especially toward close allies like India.

The US and India have long had friction over tariff imbalances, but the tone from both sides remains constructive, with trade fairness, national security, and job creation identified as shared goals.