Month: March 2026

After six people were lightly injured in an Iranian missile in central Tel Aviv, the Home Front Command has begun with rescue operations along with emergency organisations, the Israeli Defence Forces said on Tuesday. Meanwhile it shared updates from the overnight strikes carried out in Lebanon on Monday, which targetted the Hezbollah broadcasting station and its intelligence unit headquarters among other targets.

Sharing the details in a post on X, it said, “Documentation from the operations of the Home Front Command forces in the impact zones in the center of the country. Rescue and salvage forces of the Home Front Command are currently operating in collaboration with emergency organizations in the areas where reports of impacts have been received in the center of the country.”

The IDF urged people to avoid gatherings in the affected areas and called upon the public to continue to heed the life-saving instructions and to act accordingly as required upon receiving the alert.

According to the Times of Israel report, it was mentioned that Chanel 12 cited police who said that a munition carrying about 100 kilograms of explosives impacted central Tel Aviv. Multiple buildings and vehicles were damaged in the attack. Missile parts also impacted in Rosh Ha’ayin, east of Tel Aviv.

As tensions escalate in the region, the IDF an update on its overnight operations against Hezbollah–saying that it struck a broadcasting station operating under Hezbollah and the headquarters of the ‘Radwan Force’ unit

In the strikes carried out in Beirut, the headquarters of the terror organisation were targeted. In addition, the IDF struck the headquarters of Hezbollah’s Intelligence Unit.

Earlier the IDF had shared that it conducted over 50 overnight military strikes on the targets of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and attacked its command centres, weapons storage facilities and aerial defence systems. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Israeli Defence Forces said that it has conducted over 3000 strikes across Iran since the start of Operation Roaring Lion.

As tensions continue to escalate in the region, Al Jazeera Breaking reported in Tuesday that explosions were heard in Baghdad. It further mentioned that the death toll rose to 14 after a US airstrike on PMF base in Iraq.

Al Jazeera Breaking cited Iranian media and said that energy infrastructure in the country was attacked.

It also noted that Bahrain said a fire broke out at a facility due to “criminal Iranian aggression”.

Meanwhile, Press TV said on Tuesday that Imam Ali Hospital in the city of Andimeshk has been evacuated and is no longer in service after direct attacks by the US and Israel.

As tensions continue to rise in West Asia and the Gulf region, Al Jazeera Breaking reported that an Israeli attack has hit a petrol station in southern Lebanon, which triggered a huge explosion and fire. It added that the Israeli army had issued displacement orders to residents.

With the evolving security situation in the region, Arab News has cited Israeli Media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth to report that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was prepared to negotiate with the Americans.

Ahrnaooth cited a conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. intermediary Steve Witkoff which was approved by the highest level in Iran.

The key development comes as the conflict between US-Israel and Iran has now entered into its fourth week–with ripple effects being felt beyond West Asia and the Gulf region as concerns intensify over global energy security, with supply bottlenecks and damaged infrastructure- civilian, military and energy. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday unveiled a grand statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh at the RCS office premises on Parliament Street on the solemn occasion of Shaheed Diwas.

According to the release issued by the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the meticulously restored ‘Historical Court Trial Room’. This landmark site holds immense historical significance as the venue where the trial of legendary freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev was conducted during the struggle for independence.

The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, and Kapil Mishra. Also present was Yadvinder Singh Sandhu, the grandson of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, along with other dignitaries and senior government officials, the release added.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that March 23 is a day of immense pride and emotional remembrance for the entire nation.

“This day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by the brave freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s liberation. Seeing these memories revitalised within this historic complex is a moment of profound pride and emotion for every Indian,” the CM remarked.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the conservation and restoration of this historical site is more than just a construction project; it is a vital effort to preserve the nation’s heritage. She noted that it would allow future generations to connect with the glorious history of the freedom struggle.

She urged every citizen to visit the site to experience firsthand the struggles and sacrifices of our revolutionaries, adding that the statue of Bhagat Singh will continue to inspire the youth to fight against injustice and dedicate themselves to the nation.

Minister for Social Welfare and Cooperation, Ravinder Indraj Singh, added, “We have made a concerted effort to preserve the facts and essence of the place where cries of ‘Inquilab’ once echoed and where Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh appeared for trial. By installing his statue today, we are not only paying tribute but also providing a source of inspiration for countrymen, especially the youth, to learn closely about his life, ideologies, and martyrdom”.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the Delhi Assembly complex to pay floral tributes at the statues of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

Reflecting on the occasion, she said that the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of these immortal sons of Mother India will forever serve as an indelible inspiration, guiding every generation on the path of duty, the release said. (ANI)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said that he has the evidence of the fact that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran for the war.

Zelenskyy said that the aid is helping Iran stay afloat and prolonging the war.

“There is growing evidence that the Russians continue to provide the Iranian regime with intelligence support. This is clearly a destructive activity, and it must be stopped, as it only leads to further destabilization. All decent states are interested in guaranteeing security and preventing a larger crisis. Markets are already reacting negatively, and this is significantly complicating the fuel situation in many countries. By helping the Iranian regime stay afloat and strike more accurately, Russia is effectively prolonging the war. There must be a response,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X, “On March 23, FMs Sergey Lavrov & Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke over the phone. The Ministers discussed the deterioration in the Persian Gulf caused by US-Israeli aggression. They also voiced concern over the conflict’s dangerous expansion into the Caspian region.”

Sergey Lavrov stressed the categorical unacceptability of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which creates unacceptable risks for the safety of Russian personnel and could lead to catastrophic environmental consequences for all countries of the region without exception, an official statement said.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (local time) said he spoke to US President Donald Trump, and they will realise the goals of the war through an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests.

Netanyahu pledged to keep attacking Iran and Lebanon. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Monday said Iran has agreed not to possess a nuclear weapon.

Speaking at the Memphis Safe Task Force Roundtable, Trump said, “We are now having really good discussions. They started last night, a little bit the night before that. I think they’re very good. They want peace. They’ve agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon. But we’ll see. Hopefully, we can make a deal that’s good for all of us, including the Middle Eastern allies that have been very good to us, including Israel, which has been a great partner in this fight. But we’ll see what happens. I think there’s a very good chance we’re going to end up in a deal.”

“As I announced earlier, based on preliminary conversations between the United States and Iran over the past two days, I’ve directed the Department of War to temporarily postpone planned strikes against major energy and electricity targets in Iran…to determine whether a broader agreement can be reached,” says Trump on Operation Epic Fury.

Trump continued, “Now, Iran has one more opportunity to end its threats to America and our allies, and we hope they take it. Either way, America and the entire world will soon be much safer.”

He also said that they have annihilated their defence industrial base, eliminating their Navy.

“We’ve annihilated their defence industrial base, eliminating their Navy. We eliminated their Air Force. We eliminated all of their air defence. Everything. We eliminated their leaders. Then the second set, 88 people, met to pick a new leader. And they’re now extinguished. And then they’re meeting again. But now nobody wants to be the leader. It’s one of the few political jobs that nobody wants anywhere in the world. Nobody wants it,” he said.

Trump further said that they were systematically dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America.

“It’s a very dangerous job. My job is dangerous, too, but their job is worse. In other words, we’re systematically dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America. They’re not threatening us anymore. As Commander-in-Chief, it’s my sacred responsibility to protect our country from all threats,” he said.

However, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, on Monday slammed US President Donald Trump, rejecting the latter’s claims regarding ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, asserting that no such talks have taken place.

Ghalibaf rejected the US President’s claims, stating that the remarks were made to “manipulate the financial and oil markets”, which have seen much disruption amid the conflict. (ANI)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X, “On March 23, FMs Sergey Lavrov & Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke over the phone. The Ministers discussed the deterioration in the Persian Gulf caused by US-Israeli aggression. They also voiced concern over the conflict’s dangerous expansion into the Caspian region.”

Sergey Lavrov stressed the categorical unacceptability of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which create unacceptable risks for the safety of Russian personnel and could lead to catastrophic environmental consequences for all countries of the region without exception, an official statement said.

Both Sides also expressed concern over the dangerous expansion of the conflict provoked by Washington and Tel Aviv into the Caspian region. The Russian Side emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for a political settlement that takes into account the legitimate interests of all parties involved, above all Iran. Russia will continue to adhere to this stance at the UN Security Council, statement said.

Abbas Araghchi thanked the Russian leadership for the substantial diplomatic and other support being provided to Iran, including the delivery of humanitarian assistance, it added.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Iran has one more opportunity to end its threats to America. “We hope they take it. Either way, America and the entire world will soon be a much safer planet,” he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (local time) said he spoke to US President Donald Trump and they will realise the goals of the war through an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests.

Netanyahu pledged to keep attacking Iran and Lebanon.

In a post on X, he said, “Earlier today I spoke with our friend President Trump. President Trump believes there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements we have reached alongside the US military to realize the goals of the war through an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests. At the same time, we are continuing to strike in both Iran and Lebanon. We are smashing the missile program and the nuclear program, and we continue to deal severe blows to Hezbollah. Just a few days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists – and we are still active. We will safeguard our vital interests under all circumstances.” (ANI)

Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada, on Tuesday, expressed his sorrow at the accident involving Air Canada Express AC8646.

Rousseau, in his video statement, said that their efforts are continuing towards Air Canada passengers and crew’s kin.

“Today is a very somber day at Air Canada. I’m here to provide information on an accident that occurred involving an Air Canada Express aircraft. The aircraft was operated by Jazz Aviation LP, which operates flights on behalf of Air Canada. First, and most importantly, I want to express our deepest sorrow for everyone affected. Our efforts are focused on the needs of our passengers and crew members, along with their families and loved ones,” he said.

“We know this is a difficult day for everyone, including all of us at Air Canada. We know that there are many questions, but at this early stage, we do not have all the answers, as the circumstances are still being assessed. However, I do want to share the information I have at this time. The event happened at LaGuardia Airport after Air Canada flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, a CRJ-900 aircraft travelling from Montreal to New York, had landed. Flight AC8646 was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members for a total of 76 people on board,” he added.

Rousseau said that the Air Canada Captain and the first officer were killed in the accident.

“We now know that the captain and the first officer were killed in this accident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two jazz employees, and our deepest condolences go out to the entire jazz community and their families. We are working with the authorities to confirm the number of injuries and if there are any other fatalities,” he said.

“We are actively working with all relevant authorities on emergency response efforts. The Air Canada Special Assistance Team has been activated to assist our customers and their families. We’re fully supporting the relevant investigative authorities in their investigation to learn everything we can about these events. While that work will take time, anything we can do now, we’re doing. And right now, that means focusing on taking care of those impacted by this incident, including their families. Members of our specialized team will be on their way to New York. We know that many people are concerned about the welfare of their loved ones, and we’ve set up a special helpline. Friends and family can call 1-800-961-7099. That’s 1-800-961-7099,” he added.

Rousseau further said that they will continue to disburse information as they have it.

“If you believe you’ve had friends or family on board Air Canada Flight 8646. We understand and appreciate that people are seeking information. Please know that we will provide information as it is verified and cleared by the authorities for release. All our official statements and updates will be posted to our website, aircanada.com, and to Air Canada’s official social media channels. Our team of highly trained professionals will work around the clock to support our customers, their families, and our crew and their families in every way we can. And we’ll update you regularly as soon as information becomes available. Thank you. Merci,” he said.

Flight AC8646, operated by Air Canada Express carrier Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz), originated from Montreal. The preliminary passenger list indicates the airplane was carrying approximately 72 passengers and four crew members, although this is subject to confirmation. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 pm (local time). (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday referred to the West Asia conflict and said even in these harsh adverse conditions, India is moving ahead with the resolve of progress, development and trust.

Speaking at the TV9 Network Summit, PM Modi said in the last 23 days, India has shown its Relationship Building Capacity, it has shown its decision-making capacity and Crisis Management Capacity.

PM Modi said that at a time when the world is divided into multiple blocs, India has built strong and wide-ranging partnerships.

“People often ask, ‘Whose side are we on?’ My answer is, ‘We stand with India. We stand with India’s interests. We stand with peace and dialogue’,” he said.

He accused the Congress of “being concerned about its own power and not the country” during its rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday referred to the oil bonds issued during the UPA government and said “those who were running the government through remote control made this wrong decision to preserve their power, as accountability was not expected at that time”.

The Prime Minister also took digs at the opposition parties and alleged that certain political parties, driven by self-interest, are seeking to exploit the circumstances created by global challenges, including the West Asia conflict, for their political gain.

PM Modi pointed to the issuance of oil bonds worth Rs 1.48 lakh crore, stating that the decision placed a financial burden on future generations. He noted that then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had acknowledged the long-term implications of the move.

“Just remember what happened between 2004 and 2010. During the Congress government, petrol, diesel, and gas prices were in crisis, and Congress was concerned not about the country but about its own power. At that time, Congress issued oil bonds worth Rs 148,000 crore. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself stated that they were burdening future generations with debt. Despite knowing that the oil bond decision was wrong,” he said.

“Those who were running the government through remote control made this wrong decision to preserve their power, as accountability was not expected at that time. Repayment on those bonds was due after 2020. Over the past five to six years, our government has worked to wash away the sins of the Congress government. Instead of Rs 148,000 crore, the country had to pay more than 3 lakh crore rupees, as interest was also added. This means we were forced to pay almost double the amount. In the past 5-6 years, our government has worked to wash away that sin of the Congress government. And the cost of this washing has not been low. You won’t have seen such a laundry,” he added.

He said challenges have been increasing one after the other after the Corona pandemic.

“There is no year that has not tested India and Indians. But with the united efforts of 140 crore countrymen, India is moving ahead, facing every calamity. At this time, even in the conditions of war, many countries of the world are surprised by India’s policy and strategy, seeing India’s strength,” he said.

“The turmoil that has erupted in the world since February 28, even in these harsh adverse conditions, India is moving ahead with the resolve of progress, development and trust. In these 23 days, India has shown its Relationship Building Capacity. It has shown its decision-making capacity and Crisis Management Capacity,” he added.

He said at a time when global supply chain is faltering, India has presented a model of diversification and resilience.

“When the world is divided into so many camps, India has built unprecedented and unimaginable bridges. From the Gulf to the Global West, from the Global South to neighbouring countries, India is a trusted partner of all. Some people ask, who are we with? My answer to them is that we are with India. We are with India’s interests, peace and dialogue,” he said.

“In this time of crisis, when the global supply chain is faltering, India has presented a model of diversification and resilience. Be it energy, fertiliser, or essential goods, India has made continuous efforts to ensure that its citizens face minimum problems, and continues to do so even today,” he added. (ANI)

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s daughter Samara turned 15 on Monday, and to mark her birthday, members of the Kapoor clan sent her adorable wishes.

Veteran actor Neetu Kapoor took to Instagram story and penned a sweet message for her granddaughter Samara.

“Happy 15th my precious. Thank you for being in our lives samuji. You are too special. Love you so much,” she posted.

Kareena sent “love and joy” to Samara on her special day.

“Happiest birthday dearest Samara…Sending you love and joy on your special day,” Kareena wrote.

Riddhima, too, posted an adorable message for her daughter, sharing her unseen pictures.

“My Sampie 15 years of loving you holding your hand and calling you mine…my greatest blessing You make my world brighter just by being you Stay as kind strong and beautiful as you are I love you to the moon and back – and a little more every day Happy 15th birthday my heart,” she posted.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, daughter of late Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, got married to businessman Bharat Sahnii on January 1, 2006, in a grand ceremony. Riddhima met Bharat while studying in London and got married in 2006, four years after being together.

Riddhima is a renowned jewellery designer. In 2024, she tasted Bollywood success with her appearance in the third season of Netflix’s Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives.

She is now gearing up for the release of her debut movie with comedian Kapil Sharma. The film also stars her mother, Neetu Kapoor, in a key role. Sadia Khateeb, Sarath Kumar and Aditi Mittal are also a part of the movie. (ANI)

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra credited the success of Dhurandhar for the growing recognition of the “casting department” in India. He noted that the audience now acknowledges their contributions due to the viral trends of the movie on social media.

In an interview with ANI, Mukesh Chhabra admitted that for years, casting had largely remained an overlooked aspect, with acknowledgement mostly limited to industry insiders.

However, the success of their recent film, coupled with the reach of social media, has changed this dynamic.

“It’s that feeling when, across India, even people outside the film industry are talking about your work, and the general public recognises it, then it feels like something good has happened in your life,” he said on the accolades received by the movie.

“Because in the general public, wherever I go, people recognise that you have done casting. Earlier, people used to go within the industry, within social media. Now, because of social media and the courage of this film (Dhurandhar), the general public recognises the casting.. Such a department, which was there for many years, and I have tried for so many years, to bring it here so that people see it with more respect,” said Mukesh Chhabra.

Backed by Jio Studios, the Aditya Dhar directorial ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ has shattered records across India and international markets.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, which is a sequel of the earlier movie, has stormed the global box office with an unprecedented Rs 761 crore worldwide opening weekend.

The film stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan and Rakesh Bedi in the lead roles. (ANI)