Month: March 2026

Amid escalated cross-border tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate stated that it had carried out airstrikes on major military installations in Pakistan, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, describing the action as a response to Pakistani air raids on Afghan territory.

In a post on X, the Ministry of National Defence of Afghanistan stated that the Afghan Air Force conducted “effective airstrikes” targeting important Pakistani military facilities.

According to the statement, the strikes include the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in the Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with other military sites housing key facilities and centres.

“The Air Force of the National Defense Ministry today once again carried out effective airstrikes on important military bases in Pakistan. These strikes included Nur Khan Base in Rawalpindi, and the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in the Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some other military sites in Pakistan that house important military facilities and centers. These attacks resulted in significant damage to these targets,” the post read.

Notably, the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi’s Chakala also suffered significant damage in May last year following India’s coordinated strikes on key military installations in Pakistan, which came as part of Operation Sindoor, in retaliatory action by the Indian Armed Forces.

The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, as a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies on May 13 revealed significant damage to multiple air bases in Pakistan, including Nur Khan Air Base.

Images show damage to four Pakistani air bases: Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, PAF Base Mushaf in Sargodha, Bholari Air Base, and PAF Base Shahbaz in Jacobabad.

Satellite images taken on April 25, 2025, and May 10, 2025, showed damage to airbase facilities, confirming strikes on Nur Khan Air Base.

Meanwhile, the Afghan defence ministry also stated that the operation was launched in retaliation for airstrikes that were carried out by the Pakistani army on Kabul, Bagram and other areas “last night and today”.

“According to preliminary information, these attacks have resulted in significant damage to the mentioned targets. This operation was carried out in response to the airstrikes launched by the Pakistani army, which targeted Kabul, Bagram, and some other areas last night and today,” the post read.

Warning against further escalation, the ministry added that any violation of Afghan airspace or “lack of respect by the evil parties in Pakistan” would be met with a strong response.

The recent reports of cross-border strikes mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring countries. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met his Canadian counterpart Mark J Carney here in the national capital. The leaders met at the Hyderabad House and are set to shortly hold delegation-level talks.

Earlier on Monday, EAM S Jaishankar called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as part of the latter’s official visit to the country and appreciated his commitment to building a forward-looking partnership between the two countries. The Canadia PM will later meet PM Modi at Hyderabad house.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was “delighted” to call on Prime Minister Carney during his visit to the national capital.

“Delighted to call on Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada in New Delhi this morning. Appreciate his commitment towards charting a forward-looking partnership,” the EAM’s post read.

The Canadian Prime Minister landed in the national capital on Sunday evening following the conclusion of a productive visit to Mumbai, marking the next phase of his official tour of India. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, received the visiting leader at the airport.

On Sunday evening, Jaishankar also met his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Carney is on an official visit to India from 27 February to 2 March. This marks Prime Minister Carney’s first official visit to the country, which began when he arrived in Mumbai on 27 February.

The high-level discussions, scheduled for today at Hyderabad House, will see the two Prime Ministers hold delegation-level talks to review the progress achieved to date across diverse areas of the India-Canada Strategic Partnership.

Building on their earlier meetings in Kananaskis in June 2025 and Johannesburg in November 2025, on the sidelines of the G7 and the G20 summits, respectively, the leaders will “take stock of ongoing cooperation in key pillars, including trade and investment; energy; critical minerals; agriculture; education, research, and innovation; and people-to-people ties.”

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, they will also exchange views on regional and global developments.

In addition to their formal talks, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney will attend the India-Canada CEOs Forum.

This visit comes at an important juncture in the normalisation of India-Canada bilateral relations, with the anticipated discussions on Monday focusing on key strategic and economic issues of mutual interest between the two nations. (ANI)

The United States and six Arab nations on Monday issued a strongly worded statement condemning Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks across West Asia, calling them “indiscriminate”, “reckless”, and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.

The statement, released by the governments of the US, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, followed a wave of Iranian strikes that targeted multiple countries in the region, which came in a retaliatory action by the Islamic Republic following US-Israel strikes on Iran that led to the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family.

“The United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates strongly condemn the Islamic Republic of Iran’s indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories across the region, including Bahrain, Iraq–including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region–Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These unjustified strikes targeted sovereign territory, endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure,” the statement read.

“The Islamic Republic’s actions represent a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability. The targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior,” it added.

The seven governments reaffirmed what they described as their inherent right to self-defence under international law and emphasised unity in protecting their citizens and territorial integrity.

“We stand united in defense of our citizens, sovereignty, and territory,” the statement said.

The signatories also praised what they described as effective air and missile defense coordination, which they said prevented significantly greater loss of life and destruction.

“We remain committed to regional security and commend the effective air and missile defense cooperation that has prevented far greater loss of life and destruction,” it added.

The acknowledgement underscores growing security cooperation between the US and Gulf and regional partners amid rising threats from missile and drone capabilities from Tehran as tensions escalates. (ANI)

Actor Mahesh Babu is full of praise for his ‘Varanasi’ co-star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, hailing her performance in ‘The Bluff’.

Taking to his X handle, Mahesh Babu penned a special note for Priyanka, stating that the actor remains in her “top form.”

“#TheBluff is a a well mounted film with engaging action n emotions !!! @priyankachoprais in top form swashbuckling and ticking all the boxes with a packed performance… Sending all my love to the team for the amazing work,” he wrote.

Earlier, filmmaker SS Rajamouli also heaped praise on the actor after watching the trailer of ‘The Bluff’.

Taking to Instagram Story, Rajamouli wrote, “Priyanka is unstoppable and always surprises….what a commanding presence and fiery performance. Looking forward to ‘The Bluff’.”

Notably, Priyanka Chopra is all set to make her return to Indian cinema with the upcoming film ‘Varanasi’, directed by Rajamouli, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role.

Last year, SS Rajamouli announced the title of the film and introduced the character of Mahesh Babu, who was seen riding an ox while holding a trishul in his hands at a grand Globetrotter event in Hyderabad.

The actor is set to play the role of Rudhra in the film. Priyanka will play the role of Mandakini in the film.

Prithviraj Sukumaran is also a part of ‘Varanasi’. The movie is expected to be released in 2027.

Coming back to ‘The Bluff’, the film is set in the Cayman Islands. The film consists of high-octane action, with Priyanka taking on intense sword and gun sequences opposite Karl Urban.

Directed by Frank E. Flowers, siblings Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, and Angela Russo-Otstot serve as the producers of the film under the production banner AGBO.

‘The Bluff’ was released on Prime Video on February 25. (ANI)

The US-Israel joint military strikes on Iran that led to the death of the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mark “the beginning of the very end of the regime,” according to Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, asserting that the developments could pave the way for the Iranian people to reclaim their country.

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Pahlavi described the US action against the Islamic Republic as a “game changer”, claiming that many Iranians, both within the country and in the diaspora, have welcomed the move.

“There’s no question that this is the game changer we’ve been waiting for all this time. The jubilation of Iranians at home and abroad shows how much people were hoping for this moment,” he said on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.

“We are so elated by the fact that now we have the beginning of the very end of the regime, because at least we are going to see more and more decimation of this regime, which can only equal the playing field so that the Iranian people could come back to the streets and claim their country back from this hated regime,” the exiled Prince added.

Pahlavi argued that the latest strikes go beyond previous interventions, which were primarily aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme, noting that the current developments could significantly weaken the ruling establishment and accelerate its collapse.

“This is like a full decapitation of the regime and ultimately what will expedite its total collapse. The Iranian people have suffered too much to settle for anything less than that,” he told Fox News. Pahlavi further stated that he is preparing for a potential political transition in Iran, envisioning a shift from the existing theocratic system to a democratic framework and stated that he is willing to lead a transitional process supported by a broad coalition of Iranians, including activists within the country and members of the military.

“I’ve been working with a number of Iranians from across the spectrum that are united in this on this purpose. We have the most diverse coalition of people dedicated to that process, representing different parts of the country, including religious minorities, ethnic groups that are all aligned in this national project that we have,” he added.

Pahlavi’s remarks come following US-Israel joint military strikes on Iran that led to the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his family on Sunday.

Following the strikes, Iran launched a wave of strikes, using drones and missiles targeting multiple arab countries in the region, as a retaliatory action by the Islamic Republic. (ANI)

The stock markets in the country tanked in the opening session on Monday as rising tensions and military escalations in the Middle East dented investor sentiment sharply.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 24,659.25, declining by 519.40 points or 2.06 per cent. The BSE Sensex opened at 78,512.05, falling 2,775.14 points or 3.41 per cent, reflecting heightened nervousness across domestic equities.

Market expert Ajay Bagga told ANI, “Markets are searching for some moorings in a deeply uncertain world today. Reports that the Iranian Foreign Minister said Iran is not going to block the Straits of Hormuz and that the new Iranian leadership wants to resume negotiations with the US lead to a slight recovery in risk assets from their deep red levels this Asian morning.”

He further said Indian markets will assess three key impacts from the Iran-US conflict.

“The first risk transmitter is higher oil prices due to the de facto closure of the Straits of Hormuz. The second is the impact on major trading partners of India in the Gulf, with Indian exporters suffering due to the closure of these shipping lanes and supply chains. The third is the risk to the 9 million Indians who work in the Middle East,” Bagga said.

He added that the best outcome would be if the new Iranian leadership returns to negotiations, allows tankers to sail through the Straits of Hormuz, and stops attacking GCC targets.

“The worst outcome we all know and is consigned to a low probability event,” he noted.

In the broader markets on NSE, Nifty 100 declined by more than 2 per cent, Nifty Midcap 100 fell 3.43 per cent and Nifty Smallcap 100 dropped 3.78 per cent, indicating widespread selling pressure.

In the sectoral indices, Nifty Auto was down by 3.42 per cent, Nifty FMCG lost 2.3 per cent Nifty IT declined by 1.91 per cent overall selling sentiments were visible in all sectors in the opening session.

Sunil Gurjar, SEBI-registered analyst and Founder of Alphamojo Financial Services, said, “The index has now slipped below its 200-EMA, which signals emerging long-term weakness in the overall structure. The decline was largely driven by global market weakness and rising bond yields, which reduced risk appetite among investors.”

He added that sustained closing below the 200-EMA in upcoming sessions could trigger a sharper fall. “However, a strong bounce back from this level would indicate support holding and could confirm renewed bullish momentum,” he said.

In the commodity markets, gold prices surged 3 per cent to Rs 1,67,329 per 10 gm for 24 karat, while silver prices rose 3.89 per cent to Rs 2,85,700 per kg.

Other Asian markets also witnessed selling pressure. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 1.55 per cent to 57,930 level, Singapore’s Straits Times declined 1.86 per cent to 4,903 level, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped more than 2 per cent to 26,113, and Taiwan’s weighted index lost 0.33 per cent to 35,297 level.

In the US markets, Dow Jones Futures were down 0.77 per cent at 48,593, indicating selling pressure. On Friday, the S&P 500 index declined 0.43 per cent to 6,878, while the Nasdaq fell 0.94 per cent to 22,663 level. (ANI)

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, former superstars Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif, Shikhar Dhawan, and Suresh Raina heaped praises on Sanju Samson’s masterclass 97* against West Indies, which single-handedly led Team India to a five-wicket win over West Indies at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.

Samson, whose place in the playing 11 was under scrutiny after his lean patch with the bat, delivered in India’s must-win T20 World Cup Super Eight clash on Sunday against the West Indies, helping his team reach the semifinals.

In an X post, Tendulkar lauded Samson’s innings, highlighting his calm presence at the crease and saying it was wonderful to watch.

“Semi-final spot on the line, and the boys handled it beautifully! Handling the final overs well in both innings gave us the edge. Sanju Samson’s calm presence at the crease was wonderful to watch. That kind of presence lifts a side. Brilliant effort from everyone. On to the semi-finals!” Tendulkar wrote.

Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh also hailed Samson, saying it has made all of us proud. He also highlighted India’s ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah’s crucial breakthroughs.

In an X post, Harbhajan Singh wrote, “Today @IamSanjuSamson has made all of us proud. Critical breakthroughs by @Jaspritbumrah93 also helped Team India. Congratulations #MenInBlue for the wonderful win. Our hearts stopped several times throughout the match, but all is well that ends well. Happy for #TeamIndia. Best wishes for the ultimate one.”

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan termed Samson’s gritty 97* as the best innings of his career and highlighted his maturity throughout the innings.

“The best innings of his career, considering the match situation. The maturity he showed throughout was outstanding. A top-class, match-winning knock from Sanju Samson,” Irfan Pathan wrote in an X post.

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif also applauded Samson’s innings and said he is the man for India in a do-or-die game.

“Sanju Samson is the man for India in a do-or-die game. Focus is never on him, but he proves to be the game-changer,” Kaif wrote on his X account.

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan heaped praises on Samson’s masterclass fifty, saying he stepped up when it mattered most.

“@IamSanjuSamson stepped up when it mattered most. Highest score by an Indian in a T20 WC run chase, brilliant effort with the bat, supported by @IamShivamDube’s cameo, and the bowlers led by @Jaspritbumrah93 doing the hard work early. Semi-finals, here we come,” Dhawan wrote in an X post.

Former Indian star Suresh Raina hailed India’s clinical performance and labelled Samson’s innings as ‘pure dominance’.

“Well played, boys! Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit, and a true champion’s mindset on display. One step closer to glory — let’s bring it home! Pure dominance from @IamSanjuSamson,” Raina wrote in an X post.

West Indies veteran seamer Ian Bishop also lauded Samson’s innings, “Respect the name: Sanju Samson!!!” he said.

India’s win secures a semi-final spot, knocking West Indies out of the tournament. Samson carried his bat, leading India’s highest successful T20I chase in the T20 WC and at the Eden Gardens.

With this innings, Samson also surpassed veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli (82) to slam the second-highest individual score for India in T20 World Cups.

Samson has opened the batting times in 29 run-chases in T20Is and IPL. This is the first instance of him remaining unbeaten till the end of the innings. (ANI)

Allu Sirish and Nayanika’s pre-wedding festivities have kick-started.

On Sunday, Allu’s pelli koduku ceremony was held in an Intimate traditional gathering at family residence in Hyderabad.

A significant ritual on the groom’s side in Telugu weddings, the ceremony began with the sacred mangala snanam, where the groom was ceremonially bathed and smeared with turmeric and sandalwood paste – symbolizing purification, blessings, and the transition into married life.

Following the ritual bath, the celebrations continued with a heartfelt gathering of close family and friends, particularly women from the extended family circle, who blessed the groom, offered gifts, and conveyed their good wishes ahead of the wedding.

The ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of the immediate Allu family, including renowned producer Allu Aravind and superstar Allu Arjun, who attended with his wife Sneha Reddy. Joining them were Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela.

Also present were Balachandra’s wife Vasundhara and other close family members. Adding a special charm to the celebrations, newlyweds Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna marked their presence with a warm and cheerful appearance.

Allu Sirish is the younger brother of actor Allu Arjun. He made his debut as a lead actor with Gouravam in 2013.

Allu Sirish and Nayanika will tie the knot on March 6. (ANI)

Newlywed bride Rashmika Mandanna on Sunday met with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to formally invite him for her and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding reception in Hyderabad on March 4.

Rashmika not only met with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, but also with his wife, Geetha, and their daughter. In the visuals from the meeting, Geetha is seen giving her blessings to Rashmika.

Earlier on Sunday morning, Rashmika and Vijay stepped out in Hyderabad to offer prayers at a temple. Also, today, the couple, through their team, has distributed thousands of sweet boxes across 23 cities nationwide, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and several other major hubs.

Simultaneously, Annadanam (sacred food offering) is being conducted at multiple temples across India, further reinforcing the couple’s desire to seek blessings while giving back to the community.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda got married on February 26 in Udaipur in the presence of their close friends and family members.

A few days before they exchanged their vows, the couple met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to extend wedding invite to them.

On Saturday, Taking to her X handle, Rashmika shared pictures from the meeting when she and Vijay visited PM Modi and invited him for their wedding.

“Meeting Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir and spending time talking about our culture and history was so special. The sweetest surprise was the thoughtful letter he wrote to my parents. Some moments just stay with you forever.”

The ‘Pushpa’ actor also shared images from their meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing gratitude on receiving a beautiful Ganesh idol from the leader.

“Had the honour of meeting the Honourable Home Minister @AmitShah Sir. Grateful for the beautiful Ganesh idol that now has a special place in our home,” she wrote. (ANI)

Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan on Sunday evening stepped out in the city for work commitments.

The duo attended Indian Super Gaming League event in Mumbai in style. They were spotted in conversation with each other at the event.

While Ranbir co-owns the Indian Super League team Mumbai City FC, Abhishek, also an ardent football enthusiast, holds a stake in Chennaiyin FC.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Ranbir, in the coming months, will be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Love and War’, alongside his wife Alia Bhatt and actor Vicky Kaushal.

He will also be seen playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited two-part epic ‘Ramayana.’

Speaking of Abhishek Bachchan’s upcoming acting projects, he has ‘King’ in his kitty with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, the movie will arrive in theatres on December 24. (ANI)