Month: March 2026

Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict insisting that any cessation of hostilities will only occur on Tehran’s “own terms and timeline,” a senior political-security official told state broadcaster Press TV on Wednesday.

Iran says it will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official told Press TV emphasizing Tehran’s resolve to continue its defense and inflict “heavy blows” on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled.

According to the official, Washington has been pursuing negotiations through various diplomatic channels, putting forward proposals that Tehran views as “excessive” and disconnected from the reality of America’s failure on the battlefield.

Tehran has categorized the latest overture, which was delivered via a friendly regional intermediary, as a ploy to heighten tensions and has responded negatively.

The official outlined five specific conditions under which Iran would agree to end the war. These include:

A complete halt to “aggression and assassinations” by the enemy.

The establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic.

Guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations.

The conclusion of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region

International recognition and guarantees regarding Iran’s sovereign right to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

The official also told Press TV that these stipulations are in addition to demands previously presented by Tehran during the second round of negotiations in Geneva, which took place just days before the US and Israel carried out strikes on February 28.

“No negotiations will be held prior to that,” the official stressed, reiterating that the continuation of Iran’s defensive operations will persist until the outlined conditions are met.

“The end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion,” the official further told Press TV

The urgency for a resolution is underscored by the military situation, as joint operations by Israel and the US have consistently been “targeting Iran’s missile systems, launch sites and other critical infrastructure” since the onset of the conflict. Despite these sustained strikes, Tehran has maintained its campaign, “launching missiles at Israel and nearby Gulf countries.”

Beyond the direct military engagement, the proposal “addresses maritime routes” as the Strait of Hormuz–a vital artery for international oil exports–“remains closed,” causing a global supply contraction and “pushing prices higher.” In response to these pressures, Israel’s Channel 12 reports that Trump’s conditions include a “one month of ceasefire to discuss the agreement” and a total “ending Iran’s nuclear weapons capability.”

The American terms further demand that Tehran “stopping uranium enrichment within its territory” and “ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open.” Additionally, Iran would be required to “transferring its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)” and “dismantling major nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo,” while “allowing full access to the IAEA.”

Further regional stipulations in the US plan require Iran to be “withdrawing from regional proxy activities” and “ending support for allied armed groups.” Strategically, the plan calls for “placing limits on the range and number of missiles” and “restricting future missile use strictly to self-defence.”

In exchange for these concessions, Washington has reportedly offered a “complete lifting of sanctions on Iran” and “support for its civilian nuclear programme,” specifically targeting “power generation at the Bushehr plant.” The offer also includes the “removal of the “snapback” sanctions mechanism.”

However, Iranian military officials have met these offers with sharp rhetoric. Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated on Wednesday that Trump appeared to be “negotiating with himself.”

He further challenged the US, remarking, “The one claiming to be a global superpower would have already gotten out of this mess if it could. Don’t dress up your defeat as an agreement. Your era of empty promises has come to an end.”

With Iran hardening its position and placing its own demands before the US, it appears that the standoff in West Asia is far from over. (ANI)

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital last night, hospital authorities said on Wednesday.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said that the veteran leader was admitted at around 10:22 PM and was currently in stable condition. He said doctors were conducting investigations for a possible stomach and urinary tract infection, and a team was closely monitoring her condition while administering antibiotics.

“Sonia Gandhi (Congress Parliamentary Party leader) was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday at 10:22 PM. She is stable. Doctors are conducting further investigations to check for possible infection in the stomach and urinary tract. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition, and antibiotics have been administered,” Dr Swaroop said.

Gandhi was admitted after experiencing respiratory issues at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Ajay Swaroop said that following a detailed medical examination, Sonia Gandhi’s bronchial asthma was mildly exacerbated by the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing pollution levels in Delhi.

As a precautionary measure, doctors decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.

The veteran leader was also admitted last year in June due to stomach-related issues. She was kept under observation at the hospital’s gastro department.

Before this, in the same month, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla on June 7.

The CPP chairperson was brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, according to Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

The doctors examined her health condition and informed that she was in stable condition. (ANI)

Actor-Politician Hema Malini is looking forward to attending the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 that begins in the national capital on Wednesday.

Speaking to ANI, ahead of the inauguration of the festival in the national capital, Malini shared that a special tribute would be held for her late husband, the iconic actor Dharmendra, at the IFFD.

“I would like to congratulate Rekha Gupta ji for organising the International Film Festival in Delhi. It is going to be there for 4-5 days. She has also invited many artists. Many artists will be honoured at the festival. They are also paying tribute to Dharam ji… So, I will be there to receive it,” Malini said.

Kick-starting from Wednesday evening at Bharat Mandapam, the festival will begin with a grand opening ceremony hosted by Arjun Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur

The evening will feature appearances by Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Anupam Kher, and Lauren Gottlieb, setting the tone for a week defined by strong talent presence and cross-industry exchange.

Organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival of Delhi is a government-led, city-wide festival showcasing Indian and international cinema while making film culture accessible to audiences across the capital.

The week-long festival, running from March 25 to 31, 2026, will offer a series of screenings, discussions, and industry events across various venues in New Delhi, uniting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe. (ANI)

Sometimes, all it takes is an old photograph to bring back a flood of memories.

Veteran actor Poonam Dhillon did just that when she shared a throwback picture, remembering friends she has lost over the years.

On Wednesday, Poonam took to her Instagram Story to post a picture that appears to be from late composer Aadesh Srivastava’s birthday celebration. The photo captures familiar faces from the film industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, and others, all coming together for what looks like a joyful evening.

Along with the picture, the actress also wrote a short note remembering composer Aadesh Srivastava as well as actors Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor, adding that she misses her friends.

“Memories of my dear friend Aadesh’s birthday. Miss you, my friends Aadesh, Chintu ji & Chimpu,” read the caption of her post.

Composer Aadesh Srivastava passed away in 2015 after battling cancer. Rishi Kapoor died on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67, after a two-year battle with leukaemia, while his brother Rajiv, 58, passed away on January 9, 2021, following a heart attack.

Poonam Dhillon shared a close bond with Rishi Kapoor, fondly known as “Chintu”. The two worked together in several films during the 1980s, including Zamana, Biwi O Biwi, Ek Chadar Maili Si, and Yeh Vaada Raha, and were considered a popular on-screen pair of that time.

In an earlier conversation with ANI, Poonam spoke about what made Rishi Kapoor stand out as a performer. While looking back at her work with him, Poonam highlighted how “Chintu” added special magic to film songs in his own unique way.

She shared, “I’ve learnt a lot from him (Rishi Kapoor). I think Rishi Kapoor was probably the only actor who could sing a sad song with a smile. Later, when I watched many Raj Kapoor films, I realized that Raj uncle (Raj Kapoor) also used to lip-sync songs similarly… those were unhappy songs, but he would have a smile on his face, and the tragedy was still there.” (ANI)

The Petroleum Ministry on Wednesday said that the Centre is prioritising Piped Natural Gas (PNG), while noting that there is adequate petrol and diesel available and the fuel prices have not changed.

Addressing the Inter-Ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted that the government is ensuring 100 per cent domestic PNG supply and has issued a notification, streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, and developing the natural gas infrastructure.

Addressing concerns over LPG and fuel shortage amid the West Asia conflict, she asked the public not to believe any rumours and avoid panic buying.

Sujata Sharma said, “Refineries operating at optimum capacity. We have the capacity to refine 26 crore tonne of crude oil annually. In the last two days, queues have been seen outside retail outlets and petrol pumps, and we observed panic buying. I want to assure the nation that we have adequate petrol and diesel. There is no scarcity in petrol pumps or the terminals supplying petrol to the pumps. Do not trust the rumours and avoid panic buying. Diesel and petrol prices have not been increased.”

“Domestic PNG connection is the government’s priority, and 100 per cent supply is being made available to consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to consumers,” she added.

Noting the government’s push for PNG infrastructure expansion, she said, “In Delhi, one order was passed where the road restoration charge has been scrapped, and pipelines are laid round the clock. A gazette notification was issued to streamline the timelines and approval process. The steps taken have shown good results. 2,20,000 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG, and 2.5 lakh new applications have been received.”

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised aiding migrant labourers and requested states to extend cooperation to the Centre, the Joint Secretary of the Petroleum Ministry added that migrant labourers will get five kilograms cylinder on priority.

The Centre has conducted 2700 raids and seized 2,000 cylinders amid black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders.

She said, “Migrant labourers to get 5 kg cylinder as priority. In 26 states, 22,000 tonne LPG have been allocated, which includes allocation by state governments and oil companies also. Yesterday, 30,000 five kg cylinders were given.”

“Government and states are trying to stop black marketing and hoarding. Yesterday, 2700 raids were conducted, and 2,000 cylinders seized,” the joint secretary added.

This comes after the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Tuesday issued an order to provide a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, developing the natural gas infrastructure amid concerns over its supply due to the West Asia conflict.

According to a press release, the ministry has passed the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas.

The ministry today clarified that circulating news reports about a change in LPG refill booking timelines are false and reiterated that the existing refill booking timelines “remain unchanged and continue to be”.

“It has come to the notice of the Government that certain news reports and social media posts are claiming revised LPG refill booking timelines–45 days for PMUY connections, 25 days for non-PMUY single bottle connections, and 35 days for non-PMUY double bottle connections. It is clarified that no such changes have been made. The existing refill booking timelines remain unchanged and continue to be,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The existing timelines by the government are: 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, irrespective of connection type.

This comes amid the concerns over the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas as the conflict in West Asia, which has entered its fourth week, has hampered global trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. (ANI)

The Iranian Ambassador in Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghadam has said there had been no talks between Washington or Tehran, after US President Donald Trump signalled that there had been peace overtures between the two sides.

According to IRNA news the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan was quoted as saying, “The current war is the result of America’s betrayal of the negotiations.”

Earlier, Israel’s Envoy to the United Nations Danny Danon has denied any knowledge of possible peace talks between Iran, the United States and Israel.

Addressing a media stakeout at the United Nations on Tuesday (local time) he said the goal was to ensure that Iran did not gain nuclear capability.

“I’m not familiar with our participation in such talks. It’s important to note that we continue with the operation. As we speak, Israel and the US, we continue to target military targets in Iran. We’ll continue to do that. Now, when you speak about negotiations, we know that at the end of any operation or conflict, you have to go to diplomacy. And we will make sure that the outcome will be that Iran will not have the nuclear capability, will not have the ballistic missiles capability, and that we will achieve the goals that we put forward only a month ago. I think we accomplished a lot. I’m not sure that the Iranians realize that, but we accomplished a lot. We have weakened the regime. But we have to make sure that we don’t create the condition for them to go back to where they were. We want to create a different reality on the ground,” he said.

The Israeli envoy claimed that Israel had always advocated for peace in the region while the Islamic regime was the opposite.

“One should ask himself about every nation: who is bringing stabilization to the area, and who is bringing chaos? Israel is a stabilizing force in the region. We want peace. Allow me to answer that. We sign peace treaties, we promote peace, we pray for peace. When you look at the Iranian regime, they are doing exactly the opposite. They have attacked 13 countries in one month. You know, Israel exists for 77 years. We never had war with 13 countries combined. So today you understand that Iran is a problem for instability and Israel is a source for peace and stability. Thank you,” Danon said.

These remarks from the Iranian and Israeli side come after US President signalled that peace overtures were being made with Iran and that the war was coming to an end.

“We’re in negotiations right now. I can tell you, they’d like to make a deal and who wouldn’t if you were there? Look, their navy’s gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. pretty much everything they have is gone. I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure. We have won this… We literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can’t do a thing about it. For instance, if I want to take down that power plant, they can’t do a thing about it… They are totally defeated… Militarily, they are dead,” he said.

With Israel continuing its strikes in Iran and the Iranian military launching wave 80 of its retaliatory strikes, peace remains elusive in West Asia. (ANI)

Iran on Wednesday released footage of the 80th wave of Operation True Promise 4, launching missiles towards US-Israeli positions in the region even as US President Trump indicated that a negotiated settlement was on the horizon.

Wave 80 from Iran comes even as US President Trump confirmed that negotiations were on with Iran claiming that the war was going to end.

“We’re in negotiations right now. I can tell you, they’d like to make a deal and who wouldn’t if you were there? Look, their navy’s gone, their air force is gone, their communications are gone. pretty much everything they have is gone. I think we are going to end it. I cannot tell you for sure. We have won this… We literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can’t do a thing about it. For instance, if I want to take down that power plant, they can’t do a thing about it… They are totally defeated… Militarily, they are dead,” he said.

Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that Wave 79 of Operation True Promise 4 successfully penetrated Israel’s layered air defence systems, striking intelligence facilities in Tel Aviv and Beersheba, as well as military and commercial centres across occupied Palestinian territories.

According to the IRGC’s Public Relations Department, the operation, conducted under the codename “O Kheyral Fatehin”, employed Kheibar Shekan, Emad, and Sejjil missiles alongside destructive drones from the IRGC Aerospace Force. The statement said that secure locations Israel’s intelligence apparatuses in north and central Tel Aviv were targeted, along with commercial and support centres of the regime’s army in Ramat Gan and the Negev, and the main logistics and southern military management centre in Beersheba.

Meanwhile, Iran’s deputy envoy at the United Nations Reza Dehghani said that Iran will continue the legitimate right of self-defence to complete end of US-Israeli aggression.

Speaking at a session of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament Dehghani, while strongly condemning the military strikes by United States and Israel emphasized that Iran has no hostility towards its neighbours, but the countries that have allowed their territory to be used to attack Iran must be held accountable for the consequences of this action.

He said that attacks against civilians and civilian targets in Iran still continue, adding that every day a large number of innocent women and children lose their lives as a result of the blind attacks of the American and Israeli forces. He emphasized that aggression and the use of force should not be normalized in the international relations and that no power has the right to replace international law.

Dehghani emphasized that Iran fully enjoys its inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and that Iran’s defensive actions are limited to the targets, bases, and military forces of the aggressor in the region. (ANI)

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday will resume discussion on the Finance Bill 2026, with Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moving that it be passed.

The Bill seeks to implement the government’s financial proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. It is expected to be taken up for passing following the discussions.

Moreover, the Union Finance Minister is expected to move the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which is listed for consideration and passage. This Bill seeks to further amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

The Lok Sabha will take up key legislative and procedural business, including Question Hour, tabling of official papers, and presentation of committee reports.

This will be followed by the consideration of any pending government business carried over from the revised agenda of the previous sitting.

Several Union Ministers are likely to lay official papers on the Table of the House. These include Arjun Ram Meghwal (Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs), Jitin Prasada (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), BL Verma (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution), Suresh Gopi (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas), L Murugan (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting), and Ravneet Singh (Ministry of Railways).

Several standing committee reports are to be presented, covering critical sectors such as education, women, children, youth and sports. These reports will cover the ‘Demands for Grants’ for 2026-27 for the Department of School Education and Literacy, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, along with Balwant Baswant Wankhade, will lay several reports, including the Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Atomic Energy, Biotechnology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Space, and Earth Sciences.

In the field of Transport, Tourism, and Culture, reports on the ‘Demands for Grants’ for various ministries, including Civil Aviation, Culture, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Road Transport and Highways, and Tourism, will be presented. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, along with Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, will lay these reports before the House.

Satish Chandra Dubey will address the implementation of the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines, and Steel (2024-25). Ravneet Singh will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of observations/recommendations contained in the 6th Report of the Standing Committee on Railways (2025-26) on ‘Increasing freight-related earnings of Indian Railways and Development of Dedicated Freight Corridors’ pertaining to the Ministry of Railways.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, along with Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, is likely to move a motion “That this House do agree with the Sixteenth Report of the Business Advisory Committee presented to the House on 24th March, 2026”.

The second leg of the ongoing Parliament Budget Session is scheduled to conclude on April 2. (ANI)

India batter KL Rahul has joined Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

DC posted the video of KL’s arrival at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. On arriving at the pitch, KL pulled out his famous ‘Kantara’ movie celebration, which he had done during the match against eventual champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in his home state of Karnataka.

After playing an aggressive 93* run knock in 53 balls in chase of 164 set by RCB, KL, usually a calm, collected and reserved figure in the dressing room, was seen unusually animated and aggressive, thumping his chest and pointing towards the ground and at his jersey as if saying that it (M Chinnaswamy Stadium) is his territory. He moved his bat on the pitch in a circular way and aggressively tapped it on the ground. Later, he revealed the celebration to be inspired by the 2022 Kannada movie, Kantara.

Making a reference to KL’s words after that win, DC posted, “Ye tera ground hai, Rahul. Welcome back home.”

In the last season, KL was at his most aggressive in years, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches at an average of 53.90, with a strike rate of almost 150, including a century and three fifties. He was DC’s top run-getter and overall ninth-highest. He was also DC’s leading six-hitter, with 21 maximums.

In 145 matches, KL has scored 5,222 runs in 136 innings of his IPL career, which has seen him play for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), RCB, Punjab Kings and finally DC. These runs have come at an average of 46.21 and a strike rate of 136.02, including five centuries and 40 fifties. He was the Orange Cap winner back in the 2020 season with PBKS, scoring 670 runs in 14 innings with a century and five fifties.

He will be aiming to get as close as possible to the 6,000-run mark, if not touch it. If he reaches this milestone, he will be the fifth batter after Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner to reach the milestone. Currently, he is the seventh-highest run-getter in the competition’s history.

DC will start off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1 at Lucknow. (ANI)