Month: March 2026

US President Trump has told the Group of Seven countries on a call on Wednesday (local time) that Iran was about to surrender, reported Axios, citing officials of three G7 countries who were on the call.

The call came before Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

The Axios report said that President Trump was as confident about the war’s outcome in private as he is in public.

However, today, Trump signalled US’ intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran’s Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

“We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning. Iran’s Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time – Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honour it is to do so,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched the 44th phase of its Operation True Promise 4, targeting a series of key military sites in Israeli-occupied lands and US bases across West Asia.

IRGC said the operation began with a heavy barrage of Kheibar Shekan missiles, each carrying a one-ton warhead, which hit multiple strategic locations, including Israeli military positions in the Palestinian territories, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and West Al-Quds.

The commander of Iran’s Khatam al Anbiya headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi said in a statement that Iranian armed forces will stand to the “last breath” against enemies. The enemy, he added, will be “forced to pay the price for its crimes.”

Earlier, a CNN report said that the administration of US President Donald Trump reportedly underestimated the likelihood that Iran would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes.

CNN sources revealed that while planning for the ongoing military operation, the Pentagon and the National Security Council did not fully anticipate that Iran would attempt to close the waterway, despite long-standing contingency plans developed by the US military for such a scenario.

Officials from the US Departments of Energy and Treasury were present at some planning meetings before the operation began, but CNN sources said the detailed economic forecasts and interagency analysis that typically shape major decisions were not central to the discussions.

The conflict has already entered Day 13 and neither side is showing any side of moving back. (ANI)

Congress workers staged a protest outside the Indian National Congress headquarters in Delhi on Friday over the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders, demanding the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

The demonstrators accused the Centre of failing to ensure an adequate supply of cooking gas and misleading the public about the situation.

During the protest, party workers set up a makeshift chulha (traditional stove) and prepared tea as a symbolic demonstration, raising slogans against the government and highlighting the difficulties faced by households due to the reported shortage.

Protesters claimed that many families across the country are struggling to obtain LPG cylinders and have been forced to revert to traditional cooking methods.

Speaking to ANI, a Congress leader alleged that the crisis was the result of flawed policies of the central government. “The cylinder has disappeared from the kitchen of every household. Due to the wrong policies of the country’s Prime Minister, somehow we have been forced into this gas shortage. Today in the country, people are standing in line for gas cylinders, and some are even fainting there,” the leader said.

The leader further claimed that the situation has affected several establishments, including public canteens. “The condition of the people is such that today even the canteen of the Delhi High Court is closed due to the shortage of gas, but in Parliament they claim there is no shortage,” he said.

Drawing parallels with earlier crises, the Congress leader added, “Just as people were made to stand in queues during demonetisation and oxygen shortages during the COVID-19 period, today the whole country is standing in line for gas cylinders.”

As the protest intensified, personnel from the Delhi Police intervened and detained several workers participating in the demonstration.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed also questioned the government’s claims on LPG availability, asking why prices had increased if there was no supply problem. “Be it demonetisation, lockdown, why have the rates (of LPG) been increased, if there is no problem? Why are people not getting LPG?” he questioned.

Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Manoj Kumar said, “Who is responsible for the increase in the price of LPG, the opposition or the government?… The nation is watching, and you cannot mislead them.” (ANI)

A fire broke out at the old Transport Authority building in the Sheikh Sarai Phase 2 area of Delhi on Thursday night, gutting important documents stored in the record room, officials said.

The fire erupted around 9:30 PM at the old authority building, where a large number of important and old documents related to licences were stored.

Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately, and firefighting operations were carried out successfully with no injuries or casualties reported.

Fire Officer Yashwant Singh said the blaze was intense when firefighting vehicles reached the spot.

“This was the record room for the licences. It was closed. We got a call at 9:30 PM. Fire extinguishing vehicles reached the spot within minutes. The fire was quite intense. A total of 10 vehicles reached the spot. No one is injured in the incident,” Singh said.

Charan Singh from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said the fire has been brought under control with cooperation from the Delhi Police and the local public.

“There was a fire here, and we reached the spot. Four fire brigade vehicles arrived, and we together extinguished the fire. We got very good cooperation from the Delhi Police. The local public also did a very good job by joining us. This is the office of the old authority. Earlier, licenses were issued here. Files related to the same were kept here, where the fire broke out due to a short circuit. Now the fire is under control. No one was injured, and there are no casualties in this,” Charan Singh said.

Cooling operations were underway following the firefighting operation. (ANI)

In what can be described as a dazzling gathering with film industry royalty, several Bollywood celebrities came together to celebrate the wedding festivities of filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya’s daughter, Eesha Barjatya.

The grand event was indeed a star-studded affair with celebrities dressed in vibrant lehengas, elegant sarees, and sharp suits.

The ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” filmmaker posed with the bride and groom, delightfully obliging the media with pictures.

Barjatya was dressed in a classic black suit. While his daughter Eesha chose a shimmery saree, her husband was seen in a dark blue suit paired with a red tie.

Among the major appearances was Salman Khan, who made a striking entry in a classic suit, greeting the media warmly as he briefly posed for pictures. Khan is known for being long associated with Barjatya’s films like ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’, and ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’.

Actor Aamir Khan also attended the celebrations, dressed in a refined suit. He was accompanied by his son, Junaid Khan.

Rani Mukerji turned heads with her stunning looks as she graced the wedding celebrations in a traditional look. The ‘Mardaani 3’ star chose a light blue kurta set, which she paired with long earrings.

Rani complemented her look with a matching potli.

Vicky Kaushal also grabbed attention as he arrived at the venue with his father, veteran action director Sham Kaushal.

Actors Anil Kapoor and Anupam Kher arrived together to join the Barjatya family.

Among others to present were Boman Irani, Neena Gupta, Jackie Shroff, Boney Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Roshan, Shaan, Neelam Kothari, Amrita Rao, Rekha, and Samir Soni. Take a look at the guests:

On the work front for Sooraj Barjatya, the filmmaker is currently working with actor Anupam Kher, which is also the actor’s 549th project.

Details around the film’s title, plot or remaining cast members are to be unveiled. (ANI)

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday (local time) confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release.

According to a press release issued by CENTCOM, the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

“Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely,” the release said.

“This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” CENTCOM posted on X.

Authorities added that rescue efforts are currently underway.

“More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members,” the release said.

Earlier, President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said the situation involving Iran was progressing “very rapidly” and praised the strength of the United States military.

Speaking at the Women’s History Month event at the White House, the US president said American forces were performing strongly and suggested that current actions were addressing long-standing issues with Iran.

“The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It’s doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. There’s never been anything like it. Nobody’s ever seen anything like it,” Trump said.

He added that the United States was now taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier. Reflecting on his earlier time in office, Trump said his administration’s efforts to rebuild the US military had strengthened its current capabilities.

“We had a very successful first term, best economy ever. We did a lot of great things. We rebuilt our military. That’s one of the reasons we’re doing so well now with our military,” he said.

Trump also noted that he had not expected to rely so heavily on the armed forces but said the strengthened military had become crucial in dealing with international developments. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with officials regarding the state’s gas supply situation and assured that there was no shortage of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas in the state, urging people to avoid rumours.

The meeting reviewed the availability of gas cylinders and essential food items across the state.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that there was no shortage of gas in the state and that the supply system was operating smoothly.

The Chief Minister directed that the supply system be continuously monitored to ensure that the general public is not inconvenienced.

In a post on X, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “There is no shortage of diesel-petrol in Uttar Pradesh. Avoid rumours related to shortage of cooking gas.”

“If any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR will be immediately registered against them, and the strictest action will be ensured,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring the convenience and fulfilment of the needs of the common man in every situation. He directed everyone not to let panic spread and ensure timely distribution.

He further encourages the use of alternative fuels by communicating with hostels, hospitals, dharamshalas, hotels, and various commercial establishments.

The Chief Minister also directed the Food and Logistics Department to set up control rooms and monitor every district 24×7.

“Police personnel will be deployed at LPG distribution centres and will assist in maintaining order,” the UP CMO stated.

Earlier, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also assured in the Parliament that India’s energy supplies remain secure despite major global disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, the minister said, “There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel or fuel oil. Retail outlets across the country are stocked, and supply chains are functioning normally.”

He also added that this is not a moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives as the country is navigating the most severe global energy disruption.

“This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Crude supply is flowing. Gas is prioritised for homes and farms. LPG production has been stepped up by 28%,” he added. (ANI)

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar marked his 43rd birthday by working on the final stages of his upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, the sequel to the blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar.’

The director shared a heartfelt note on social media, expressing gratitude to audiences for their support and acknowledging the viral “peak detailing” memes inspired by his filmmaking style.

Taking to his Instagram account, Dhar reflected on the past year while revealing he was spending his birthday completing the finishing touches on the sequel, which is set for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19.

“As I spend my birthday adding the final touches on Dhurandhar The Revenge, I find myself pausing for a moment and looking back at the phenomenal year that has gone by,” Dhar wrote, adding, “Sitting here today I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For the journey. For the team who has always walked besides me. And for the faith so many of you have shown in my work over the years.”

The director also addressed the online buzz surrounding the film and the memes celebrating the level of detail in his projects. Dhar said he had been reading fans’ messages and posts, including the widely shared “peak detailing by Aditya Dhar” memes.

“Reading all your messages, tweets, stories, and all the ‘peak detailing by Aditya Dhar memes’, my heart is full,” he wrote, adding that he wished he could personally respond to each supporter. “Please know how deeply I value all your love and encouragement.”

Dhar emphasised the importance of audience trust in the film industry, calling filmmaking a “leap of faith.” He added that the overwhelming support he has received from viewers has been deeply meaningful to him.

The note concluded with a message about perseverance and belief in one’s dreams. “If this year has taught me anything, it is that never lose belief in your dreams, however big they might be. Show up with honesty. Give your work everything you have. And the universe will respond,” he wrote, before signing off with: “Back to work now. See you at the movies.”

The filmmaker’s message arrives as anticipation builds around ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’.

The original film, released in theatres last December, became the highest-grossing film of 2025 and one of the year’s biggest box-office successes.

The sequel continues the story of undercover agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi, played by Ranveer Singh. In the new chapter, Rangi is deeply embedded in the criminal underworld under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari.

The narrative suggests that after the death of gangster Rehman Dakait, portrayed in the first film by Akshaye Khanna, Hamza rises through the ranks of Lyari’s underworld in Karachi, eventually emerging as “Lyari ka Badshah.”

The makers also released the song “Aari Aari” from the film on Dhar’s birthday and announced that the original Dhurandhar will be re-released in theatres in India and overseas ahead of the sequel’s premiere.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is set to arrive in cinemas worldwide on March 19. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday clarified his administration’s primary objectives regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, shifting the focus away from the economic impacts of rising oil prices and toward long-term global security.

In a post by the White House, President Trump, while acknowledging that the United States is currently the world’s leading oil producer and stands to benefit financially from higher crude prices, emphasised that his administration’s overriding mission remains the permanent dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump said, “The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World.”

The statement comes amid rising tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets.

Meanwhile, Iraq has shut down oil port operations after attacks on two foreign-flagged oil tankers, while Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia intercepted further Iranian missiles and drones, Al Jazeera reported.

As per Al Jazeera, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian outlined three conditions to end the conflict: recognition of Tehran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression.

Meanwhile, Iran and Hezbollah launched coordinated attacks on Israel as Israeli forces continued large-scale strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, Al Jazeera reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, US President Trump claimed that military operations over the past 11 days had severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities. He said that American forces had “virtually destroyed” key elements of the country’s defence infrastructure.

“Over the past 11 days, our military has virtually destroyed Iran. Tough country,” Trump said while addressing a gathering here.

Describing the Persian Gulf country as “tough”, he asserted that its core military systems had been “virtually destroyed”.

The US president claimed Iran’s defence network had been neutralised within hours of the operation beginning.

“Their air force is gone. That took the better part of about three hours. They no longer have radar. They don’t have anti-aircraft equipment. They don’t have anything. Their missiles are down by 90 per cent. Their drones are down by 85 per cent. We’re blowing up the factories where they’re made, left and right,” he said.

Trump also linked the current military campaign to previous US operations against militant leaders, including the killing of Soleimani and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during his presidency.

“Nobody has ever seen anything like what you’re witnessing now. That can include the original killing of Soleimani and al-Baghdadi, two of the worst killers in the world that I took out, as well as Operation Midnight Hammer, where we totally obliterated Iran’s nuclear potential,” he said, adding that earlier actions also included Operation Midnight Hammer, which he said had targeted Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“They don’t have nuclear potential,” Trump said, referring to the operation.

According to Trump, the renewed military action was aimed at preventing Iran from rebuilding its military capabilities after earlier strikes.

“After Midnight Hammer, we left. We figured that’ll be the end of them for a while. But they started again. That’s why we got to finish it,” he said. Trump added, “We don’t want to go back every two years”.

Earlier, Trump said that the International Energy Agency (IEA) had agreed to coordinate the release of 400 million barrels of oil from national petroleum reserves worldwide in a bid to reduce prices amid conflict involving Iran.

He said the coordinated move was aimed at keeping global energy supplies stable while the United States continues military operations linked to the ongoing conflict.

“My administration is also working to keep the oil flowing all over,” he said. (ANI)

Amid sloganeering by the opposition MPs, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the country is successfully navigating the major disruption in global energy supplies following the West Asia conflict.

“India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict. Power generation for every household and for industry is fully protected,” Puri said.

The Union Minister noted that the conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, a route that typically handles 20 per cent of the world’s crude, natural gas, and LPG.

Addressing the House, Puri stated that India’s crude supply remains secure despite the fact that 45 per cent of imports previously transited the affected route. He noted that “Non-Hormuz sourcing has risen to approximately 70 per cent of crude imports, up from 55 per cent before the conflict began”.

He assured the House that “There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil. The availability of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil is fully assured,” with refineries operating at high capacity utilisation, sometimes “exceeding 100 per cent”.

“Domestic piped gas to homes and CNG for vehicles receive 100 per cent supply with no cuts. Industrial and manufacturing consumers will receive upto 80 per cent of their previous six-month average. Fertiliser plants will receive upto 70 per cent, protecting the agricultural input chain ahead of the sowing season. Refineries and petrochemical units absorb a managed reduction, with that gas redirected to higher-priority sectors. I am pleased to inform the House that the shortfall has been substantially offset through alternative procurement,” Puri stated.

The Minister also detailed measures to protect the LPG supply for 33 crore families. Domestic LPG production has increased by 28 per cent over the last five days through refinery directives. To manage demand and prevent hoarding, the government introduced a 25-day minimum booking gap in urban areas and expanded the Delivery Authentication Code system to 90 per cent of consumers.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for India’s energy security, saying that “the pain has just started.”

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran is likely to have far-reaching global and domestic repercussions.

Gandhi warned that the impact is already beginning to be felt across the country, claiming that restaurants are shutting down and there is growing panic among people over LPG availability.

“A war has broken out in the Middle East. The United States, Israel and Iran are at war. This war is going to have far-reaching consequences. The central artery from where 20 % of the global oil flows, the Strait of Hormuz, has been closed. This is going to have tremendous repercussions, particularly for us, because a very large portion of our oil and natural gas comes through the Strait of Hormuz. The pain has just started. Restaurants are closing. There’s widespread panic about LPG…This is only the beginning,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi further stressed that energy security forms the foundation of any nation’s stability. He criticised the idea of allowing external powers to influence India’s decisions regarding its energy partnerships.

“The foundation of every single nation is its energy security. Allowing the United States to decide who we buy oil from, who we buy gas from, and whether we can buy oil from Russia or not…Our relationship with different oil suppliers can be decided by us. This is what has been bartered…Why a nation the size of India would allow any other nation, the President of another nation to give us permission to buy Russian oil, to decide who our relationships are with?” Gandhi said.

While the BJP launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of diverting the discussion from the LPG shortage to unrelated issues.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, saying he ignored special permission to speak on the LPG shortage and instead raised another issue.

Rijiju also accused him of creating a ruckus in the House, disrupting proceedings while Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri was giving a statement.

During a press conference, Rijiju said, “Special permission was granted to Mr Rahul Gandhi. As soon as he was allowed to speak, he didn’t speak on LPG, but instead began speaking on global issues…He did not speak on the subject.”

“When Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, was giving a statement, Rahul Gandhi again sent all his MPs to the well. They again tore the paper and threw it away and created a ruckus and the House had to be adjourned,” he said.

Further, Union Minister Piyush Goyal accused Rahul Gandhi of violating parliamentary rules while discussing the LPG shortage, saying he ignored the seriousness of the issue and raised baseless matters that could defame the country.

Speaking to the reporters, Goyal said, “We have once again seen the Leader of the Opposition violating all the rules and regulations of Parliament…Today, Rahul Gandhi asked for time to discuss the LPG shortage. The Speaker granted time, but once again, we saw how he ignored the seriousness of the issue and displayed irresponsibility. The Speaker has repeatedly stated that we must stick to the topic being discussed. We have seen how Rahul Gandhi does not want to follow the rules. He only wants to bring baseless issues into the House, topics that can defame the country.”

“His agenda is not in the national interest; perhaps he is acting on the agenda of foreign powers. It has once again been proven that Rahul Gandhi has no interest in the proceedings of the House. Union Minister Hardeep Puri has informed the country with a very comprehensive statement. I hope the countrymen will feel confident that things are under control. There is no need to panic,” he added.

Congress MPs raised concerns over India’s energy security and the handling of the LPG shortage, defending Rahul Gandhi’s statement in Parliament and supporting his remarks on the ongoing crisis.

Congress MP KC Venugopal said the Petroleum Minister was “completely compromised” and praised Rahul Gandhi for speaking the truth with evidence.

“There is an energy crisis in the country. Our petroleum minister is completely compromised; this is what he (Rahul Gandhi) has mentioned with evidence… No one can stop Rahul Gandhi from speaking the truth; he will tell the truth to the people,” Venugopal told reporters.

Congress MP Manish Tewari highlighted India’s energy security concerns, stressing the government must safeguard both the country’s oil supplies and the safety of the 48 million Indians living in the Gulf amid rising crude oil prices.

“The fundamental question is the energy security of India. From India’s perspective, the core issue is how many Indian-flagged carriers or oil tankers carrying cargo for India are permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A barrel of crude oil is now touching USD 100. Everybody would be extremely happy if a peaceful resolution is found to the conflict in the Middle East. But the government of India should primarily focus on two things. Number one, ensuring the safety and security of the very large diaspora of 48 million people who reside in the Gulf. And number two, ensuring that India’s energy security is not undermined,” Tewari told reporters. (ANI)