The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars ceremony and related events will shift from traditional TV to exclusive global streaming on YouTube starting in 2029, under a multi-year deal running through 2033. YouTube will broadcast the main ceremony, red-carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Ball access, and other Academy programming, aiming to reach a broader international audience and expand engagement. ABC will continue airing the Oscars through 2028, including the centennial show. Academy leaders say the partnership will enhance accessibility and inspire new filmmakers worldwide. (PC: AP)

India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to protest threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns over rising security risks and anti-India remarks by Bangladeshi leaders. India said extremist groups were planning actions near its mission. It also rejected claims that India was involved in events inside Bangladesh. New Delhi said it supports peace, stability and fair elections in the country. India reminded Bangladesh of its duty to protect diplomatic missions. The move came after a Bangladeshi leader warned of sheltering anti-India groups. India said such statements were unacceptable. (PC: X)

Warner Bros has rejected a $108 billion hostile takeover bid from Paramount. The company asked shareholders to back its deal with Netflix instead. Warner Bros said a partnership with Netflix will offer more choice and value to viewers. It also said the deal will help creators reach larger audiences. Paramount made its offer directly to shareholders after its earlier bids were rejected. Paramount offered a higher price per share than Netflix. However, the Warner Bros board said Netflix is the better partner. Shareholders can still choose which offer to support. Any deal will need regulatory and shareholder approval. (PC: X)

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned in Lucknow due to dense smog and poor visibility. The toss was delayed several times before officials called off the match without a ball being bowled. The AQI in Lucknow touched 411, raising serious safety concerns for players. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the venue choice and said the match should have been held in Thiruvananthapuram. He pointed out that Kerala had much cleaner air. Fans expressed anger over the cancellation. Many questioned hosting matches in north India during peak winter smog season. (PC: India Today)

Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences over the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. Police said the charges include 15 counts of murder and one terror offence. The attack happened during a Hanukkah event and killed 15 people. Many others were injured. Akram was badly hurt and appeared in court from his hospital bed. His father Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities said the attack was a terrorist act. Police believe it was inspired by extremist ideology. The case has been delayed until April 2026. Several victims remain in hospital. (PC: BBC)

Actor Rishab Shetty has reacted to the controversy over Ranveer Singh imitating the Daiva scene from Kantara at IFFI Goa. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Rishab said, “That makes me uncomfortable.” He explained that the Daiva tradition is sacred and emotionally important. He said it should not be performed or mocked on stage. Though he did not name Ranveer, his remarks came after the viral video sparked backlash online. Ranveer later issued an apology and said his intention was to praise Rishab’s performance. He also said he respects all cultures and beliefs. (PC: X)

Football star Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, on Tuesday. He was welcomed by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. During the visit, Messi interacted with animals and took part in traditional Hindu rituals. A video of Messi playing football with a baby elephant named Maneklal has gone viral online. The elephant gently pushed the ball back, delighting everyone present. Messi also met a lion cub named ‘Lionel’ in his honour. He praised Vantara’s work in rescuing and caring for animals. Messi ended his India tour with the Jamnagar visit. 

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned in Lucknow on Wednesday due to dense smog and poor visibility. No toss was held, and not a single ball was bowled. Umpires inspected the ground six times over three hours before calling off the match. Visibility was very low, raising safety concerns for players. Air quality in the city remained hazardous, with AQI crossing 400. Fans waited in large numbers but left disappointed. The decision has sparked criticism of the BCCI for hosting winter matches in fog-prone cities. (PC: PTI)

4 pilgrims died and one was injured after a truck hit them in Gujarat’s Morbi district on Wednesday morning. The accident happened around 6 am on a state highway between Maliya and Jamnagar. Police said the truck hit the group from behind while they were walking towards Dwarka on a pilgrimage. Four people died on the spot. The injured pilgrim was taken to a hospital in Morbi. The group had stayed overnight at a temple in Sarvad village. The victims were from Banaskantha district. Police have started an investigation.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said steps taken to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR have been a total failure. The court said short-term actions cannot solve a long-term problem. It refused to interfere with the Delhi government’s decision to shut schools or run them in hybrid mode. The bench said these steps only give temporary relief to children and the elderly. Chief Justice Surya Kant said pollution has become a yearly crisis. The court asked the CAQM to review long-term plans. It listed areas like transport, industry, stubble burning, construction, and green cover. The court also ended protection for old BS-III and below vehicles in Delhi-NCR. (PC: HT)