Month: March 2026

As hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, civilians in both countries are facing growing uncertainty. With missiles being exchanged and several international flights suspended, many foreign nationals remain stranded, unable to return home. Communication for most families is now limited to audio and video calls.

One such worried family is in Prayagraj. Dan Bahadur Singh is deeply concerned about his daughter, son-in-law and their one-year-old grandson, who are currently residing in Israel.

Speaking about the situation, Singh said he has been in regular contact with them through video calls. His son-in-law is engaged in research work at a university in Israel, where the family has been living.

According to Singh, the situation has been tense since February 28, with frequent missile alerts disrupting daily life.

“Whenever a missile is launched, warning sirens go off across the area. As soon as the siren sounds, they rush to a bunker located next to their apartment building and remain there until authorities declare it safe,” he said.

He added that over the past two days, conditions have worsened significantly, with an estimated 25 to 30 missile alerts being reported in a single day.

In their most recent conversation, Singh said his daughter assured him that they are safe for now, but fear and uncertainty persist.

“War is never good for any country. It is especially devastating for humanity,” he said, expressing hope that peace will be restored soon.

Families of those stranded abroad remain anxious, closely monitoring developments and praying for a swift end to the conflict. (ANI)

Congress on Sunday “unequivocally” condemned the “targeted assassination” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel and offered condolences to the people of Iran and the Shia community around the world.

Invoking Article 51 of the Constitution, Congress, in a statement, stressed that India’s foreign policy is anchored in a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and respect for international law.

“These principles-sovereign equality, non- intervention and the promotion of peace are foundational to India’s civilisational values. Given this, the conflict in West Asia is deeply antithetical to our commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka (“the world is one family”), Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of ahimsa (non-violence), Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s policy of non-alignment,” Congress said.

Congress expressed concern about the targeted use of force to destabilise the government in Iran and Venezuela, which they believed “signals a disturbing revival of regime-change doctrines and coercive unilateralism.”

“It also contravenes the United Nations Charter, especially Article 2(4), which expressly prohibits “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,” and Article 2(7), which forbids intervention in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state. A targeted killing of a sitting head of state strikes at the heart of these international rules. Sovereignty is not conditional, and political legitimacy cannot be manufactured through force,” Congress said.

Congress reiterated the inalienable right of every nation’s citizens to determine their own political future.

“No external power has the authority to engineer regime change or dictate the leadership of another state. Such actions amount to imperialism and are fundamentally incompatible with a genuinely rules- based international order,” Congress said.

US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the strikes. Iranian state media also reported that Ali Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed.

The regional situation has reached a critical flashpoint following the execution of joint missile strikes, titled Operation Roaring Lion/ Operation Epic Fury, by Israel and the United States on Iran.

Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning following the death of their Supreme Leader.

Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence.

Iran has vowed “the most devastating offensive operation” against US bases and Israel in retaliation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has pledged revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in West Asia, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv.

Strikes by Iran have been reported in Dubai in the UAE, Qatar’s capital Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Iran said it was targeting US bases in the region. An oil tanker was struck off the coast of Oman, and airlines cancelled and diverted flights in and around the West Asian region. (ANI)

A Palau-flagged oil tanker ‘Skylight’ was targeted in waters off Musandam Governorate, Gulf News reported, citing an official statement from Oman’s Maritime Security Centre.

Authorities said the vessel was struck approximately five nautical miles north of Khasab Port. A coordinated response was immediately initiated to ensure the safety of those on board.

“All 20 crew members were evacuated, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals, the centre said.”

The maritime targeting comes amid a sharp escalation in regional hostilities.

Addressing the condition of the crew, Gulf News further reported that medical attention was provided to those affected.

“Preliminary information indicates that four crew members sustained injuries of varying severity and were transferred for the necessary medical treatment.”

Omani officials have not yet shared additional details about the source of the attack or the extent of the damage to the tanker.

The incident unfolds against the backdrop of significant developments in the region’s security environment following high-profile killings in Tehran.

Iranian Army Chief of Staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in Israeli-US strikes in Iran, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, citing Iran’s state-run media IRNA.

The IRNA report added that more armed forces commanders were also killed and that their names would be announced later.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli Air Force confirmed that its fighter jets had carried out strikes on military targets in Iran, reportedly killing seven senior Iranian defence officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour.

In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force stated: “IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership: Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia. The world is a better place without them.”

The Israeli-US strikes in Iran on Saturday. resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The operation, referred to by the Israeli Defence Forces as “Operation Roaring Lion,” followed months of joint planning with the US Armed Forces, IDF Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday.

The situation has prompted India to initiate diplomatic outreach and expressions of solidarity among regional and international leaders in response to the heightened tensions in the Gulf.

As the conflict widens, Al Jazeera reported that Iran has launched coordinated attacks on US-linked targets across several Gulf Arab states.

Tehran described the strikes as a response to the large-scale joint assault on its territory by the United States and Israel, raising concerns of a broader regional war.

Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that strikes had been conducted at multiple locations, according to the Fars news agency.

The reported targets include sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, countries that host US military installations and airbases.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Israeli and US military facilities in the Middle East had been hit by “powerful Iranian missile strikes,” warning that operations would continue.

“This operation will persist without interruption until the enemy is decisively defeated,” the IRGC said, adding that all US assets in the region are now regarded as legitimate targets. (ANI)

Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu shared a scary experience from Dubai after missiles were seen lighting up the night sky amid rising tensions West Asia.

Vishnu was in Dubai visiting his family when the situation unfolded. On Saturday evening, the ‘Kannappa’ actor took to his Instagram Stories and shared a video showing what appeared to be missiles visible from outside his residence. Loud interception sounds could also be heard in the background as he looked towards his young child, who appeared frightened by the noise.

Along with the video, he described the entire experience, explaining how the “missiles” and loud sounds shook their home. The actor also wrote that he hopes no child would ever hear the sound of war.

“In Dubai visiting family tonight. Missiles visible in the sky. The loud interceptions shook our home and frightened little Ayra. Praying for peace. No child anywhere should grow up hearing the sound of war above their roof,” he wrote.

Vishnu also thanked local authorities for ensuring civilian safety and reflected on how moments like these show how fragile life can be. He added, “Grateful to the UAE defense forces for keeping civilians safe. Moments like this remind us how fragile life really is. Praying for strength and peace. Har Har Mahadev.”

Earlier in the day, actor Sonal Chauhan, who found herself stuck in Dubai after several flights were canceled, reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help, asking for support to return to India safely.

The ‘Jannat’ actress took to her Instagram Stories to share her situation with her followers and the authorities. She spoke about being “stranded” in Dubai as flights had been canceled with no clear update on when services would restart. In her post, she directly sought the government’s “guidance and support” during the ongoing crisis.

Her post read, “Hon’ble PM @Narendramodi ji, I’m currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been canceled, and there is no clear way to return to India. I’m seeking the government’s guidance and support to help me get back home safely. I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return.”

Earlier in the day, four people were injured after an Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport, causing reported damage inside a passenger terminal, according to Al Jazeera.

Emergency teams were dispatched immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, Al Jazeera said, citing Dubai Airports’ media office.

The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. (ANI)

Following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Israeli Air Force has launched a new wave of strikes targeting sites linked to the Iranian regime in central Tehran, according to TPSIL.

Citing the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the agency reported that the Air Force, operating under the direction of its Intelligence Directorate, initiated a broad series of attacks against what it described as targets of the Iranian regime in the heart of Tehran.

“The Air Force, under the direction of the Intelligence Directorate, has now launched a broad wave of attacks against targets of the Iranian terrorist regime in the heart of Tehran. Over the past 24 hours, the Air Force has attacked extensively to create air superiority and open the way to Tehran,” the IDF said, as quoted by TPSIL.

Meanwhile, Press TV reported that fresh explosions were heard in residential areas of Tehran, describing the developments as part of US-Israeli aggression.

The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran’s leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East.

The situation remains fluid, with Trump’s administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an “imminent threat” from Iran.

Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country.

The Supreme Leader’s office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects.

Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989.

Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei’s successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran’s future leadership. (ANI)

The escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has sparked concern among international tourists in Dharamshala, a popular North Indian hill town.

Frequent flight cancellations and disruptions, particularly at Kangra airport, have left visitors anxious over travel plans and return journeys, highlighting the growing impact of tensions in West Asia on global travel.

Speaking to ANI, Israeli tourist Vila expressed her concerns over disrupted travel plans. “I was supposed to continue this morning to Israel, but my flight got cancelled. I continued here and am trying to find a way to get back home. People in Israel are in shelters and in Israel, and we have shelters almost in every home. If I get an opportunity, the only message I can give out is that all humanity is one, and my deepest prayers for peace. I will find some ways to go back, but it may take some days,” she said.

Expressing concerns about possible flight cancellations, Surender Aggarwal, an NRI, told ANI, “I just came to visit Dharamshala and our flights back home are in the week. The current war situation is worrying, and any cancellations of international flights would affect our personal programme. And we hope that the war doesn’t continue and the international airports remain open.”

Highlighting the impact on tourists’ itineraries, Dr. Vinay Gupta, a surgeon from Delhi, said, “Certainly it has a great impact on tourists because they have a certain period to visit this place and if any flight gets cancelled then it is very difficult for them to complete their tour in the same duration so the government and the responsible bodies should take care of passengers because the flights are getting cancelled due to war or international problem. There is no impact on the domestic flights, but others are facing problems.”

Dharamshala welcomed over 30,000 foreign tourists in 2025, marking the highest number since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The flight cancellations come amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East after coordinated military strikes involving Israel and the United States targeted Iranian sites, triggering retaliatory threats and airspace shutdowns in Iran, Israel and Iraq.

Reuters cited Iranian state media reporting that 40 days of public mourning were announced in Iran after Khamenei’s death. (ANI)

‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ has finally opened in theatres after a major controversy which stirred an intense public debate, political reactions, and even legal scrutiny in the weeks leading up to its premiere.

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, ‘The Kerala Story 2’ resumed screenings in cinema halls on Friday evening, with audiences from Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana turning out to catch the shows despite calls for protests in some regions.

As people in Mumbai rushed to theatres to watch the film, the reactions were mixed, with some praising while others appeared disappointed.

One of them told ANI, “I didn’t like the film as I found it to be propaganda-driven and exaggerated. The first Kerala Story film was good, but this was not up to the mark. I didn’t find it convincing. The direction and cinematography looks weak.”

On the contrary, a fan advocated for more such films.

“I think we need more such films to bring out the truth. The way this film has portrayed every religion, people should know the truth about their culture and the society. People should come with their families and watch the film. There is nothing wrong in it,” he said.

An audience member rejected claims of ‘The Kerala Story 2’ being propaganda-driven, and added, “I liked the film. I had zero expectations but it was very good. It creates awareness. I believe more such films should be made.”

Sanjeev Kumar from Hyderabad expressed high expectations from the film, stating that he watched the first film and liked it.

A viewer from Kozhikode, Kerala explained how films like ‘The Kerala Story 2’ will help raise awareness about the social structure and evil misdoings.

“Everyone should come and watch the film. It’s good for the society,” he said.

“This film is based on a social evil. Not just Hindus, but even Muslims and Christians should watch the film. The kids from the Muslim families are also at risk,” a woman said.

Earlier, protests were witnessed across various states, with many groups demanding to ban the screenings of ‘The Kerala Story 2’.

A scheduled screening of the film in Kannur was cancelled on Saturday following a protest by activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). The protest saw the tearing and burning of movie posters outside theatres, leading to clashes and forcing organisers to refund ticket holders.

The Kerala High Court had lifted an earlier stay on the release of ‘The Kerala Story 2’ on Friday, allowing cinemas to resume screenings. (ANI)

“Operation Epic Fury” (US) and “Operation Roaring Lion” (Israel), the joint strike in Iran on Saturday is a rare convergence of interests, reportedly influenced by lobbying efforts from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Washington Post reported.

As per the Washington Post, Saudi Arabia pushed the United States to carry out joint attacks on Iran along with Israel, which ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to four undisclosed people familiar with the matter.

For years, these two powers operated as “frenemies” in the shadow of Iran’s regional influence. The frame here is “The Enemy of My Enemy.”

As per the four people, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had privately called US President Donald Trump multiple times in recent weeks, even as he publicly called for “diplomatic support” to resolve the issue, said the Washington Post.

At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his long-standing public campaign for US strikes against what he sees as an existential threat to his country, said the Washington Post.

The combined influence of Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly helped lead Trump to order a large-scale aerial operation against Iran’s leadership and military, which, in its initial hour, resulted in the deaths of Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials, the Washington Post said.

Returning to the White House with a mandate of “Strength through Action,” Trump obliterated a 37-year-old threat. The death of 86-year-old Ali Khamenei, along with several top military and political leaders, effectively ends the “Second Revolution.”

The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iran’s leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on US bases, Israel, and other targets in the Middle East.

The situation remains fluid, with Trump’s administration claiming the strike was necessary to prevent an “imminent threat” from Iran.

Iran is observing 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, with widespread grief and protests reported across the country.

The Supreme Leader’s office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects.

Khamenei, who succeeded the Revolution’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, led Iran with unwavering defiance against Western influence since 1989.

Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities like Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. The focus is now on selecting Khamenei’s successor, with speculation about potential candidates and the impact on Iran’s future leadership. (ANI)

Fans of singer Arijit Singh were left heartbroken when he announced his retirement from playback singing. However, there’s now good news that has already brought smiles back on millions of faces.

It seems the singer is now focusing on independent music, and his latest release shows that his musical journey is entering a new phase.

Arijit Singh recently released a new song titled “Raina”, which has already caught the attention of listeners. The song was composed by Shekhar Ravjiani, with lyrics written by Priya Saraiya.

Arijit and Shekhar took to their Instagram accounts to announce the release. The song is a romantic track that explores themes of love and emotion. Arijit has lent his voice to the song, while Shekhar handled the music composition.

Soon after the song dropped, fans flooded the comment section with messages of love and excitement. “This legend never stops amazing us. Don’t know what iconic projects he will work on next. So excited,” wrote one fan. “Finally, happy tears hearing his voice again,” wrote another. A third fan added, “The LEGEND is back.”

Earlier this year, Arijit Singh announced that he would stop taking new playback singing assignments. He shared the news through an Instagram post, thanking listeners for their years of support. Arijit called his journey as a playback singer “wonderful” and said he was ready to move on from that chapter. “I want to thank you for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I will not be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on,” the singer wrote.

Fans can listen to the track and watch its official video on the Garuuda Music YouTube channel. (ANI)