The Economic Times

Coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior figures, sparking a furious Iranian response. Hezbollah and Iran launched retaliatory strikes, resulting in U.S. military deaths and casualties in Israel and Gulf nations. The region faces a wider war as Iran prepares to select a new leader.

An Iranian drone struck a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus. This incident occurred after the UK permitted the United States to use British bases for defensive actions. The base sustained minimal damage. British nationals in the Gulf region are being advised to register their presence. Plans are being formulated for their potential evacuation.

Iran-Israel War: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims a missile strike hit the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Air Force commander. The claim follows Tehran's description of a joint US-Israeli operation that allegedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran and its allies have since launched attacks on Israeli cities and U.S. bases.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Timings: As Chandra Grahan or the Lunar Eclipse will be observed on March 3, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has shared important details about its visibility and timings. Most of the places of India will observe the end of the lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise, except some places of North-East India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the end of the totality phase of the eclipse will also be visible, the IMD said.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is currently experiencing outages affecting its online banking platforms and mobile app. The disruption follows widespread regional power and connectivity outages attributed to Iranian strikes that impacted data centers. Amazon Web Services data centers in Bahrain and the UAE also reported disruptions. Taken together, the incidents have disrupted business operations across the Gulf region.

Punjabi singer Ammy Virk expressed deep emotional strain over the safety of his wife and six-year-old daughter in Dubai amid rising regional tensions. He shared his fears and gratitude for UAE authorities' efforts to ensure safety, praying for peace and security for all families.

France is prepared to assist Gulf nations targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes, offering defense contributions based on their requests and international law. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that initial Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran should have been debated at the UN beforehand. He urged Iran to cease attacks and seek a political solution for regional peace.

Israel has increased its military forces along the Lebanese border. However, there are no immediate plans for a ground invasion into Lebanon. This comes after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel. All military options remain under consideration by Israeli officials. The situation on the border is being closely monitored.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir used tear gas and batons to control demonstrators protesting the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This action followed a national alert warning of potential communal tensions. The Ministry of Home Affairs advised states to monitor religious gatherings for inflammatory rhetoric. This advisory aims to prevent unrest by addressing potential domestic impacts of international events.

India is bracing for an above-average number of heatwave days between March and May, with several states likely to experience intense heat. While early March is expected to be mild in many regions, the IMD forecasts a significant increase in heatwave activity as the summer progresses.

Why are US stock market index futures down and Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq in red today? Wall Street futures fell more than 1% as Middle East conflict widened. Oil prices rose. Gold gained. Treasury yields hit lows. Investors now await key U.S. economic data this week.

Kerala Lottery Result Today: The Kerala State Lotteries Department has conducted the high-stakes draw for the Bhagyathara BT-43 weekly lottery today, March 2, 2026. The event, held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featured a grand first prize of 1 crore.

Rafael Grossi, the director-general of the IAEA, warned of serious risks surrounding Iran's nuclear facilities amid regional turmoil, cautioned that radiological releases could produce far-reaching impacts, and called for renewed diplomacy with all sides urged to show utmost restraint to avoid escalation.

The India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) 2026 result is anticipated soon, with a circle-wise and state-wise merit list to be released on the official website. Candidates can expect a competitive cut-off, with document verification and medical examinations to follow shortly after the list is published.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled the state's budget for 2026-27. The outlay stands at Rs 2.23 lakh crore, marking a 10.28 percent increase. The budget includes a capital expenditure of Rs 28,205 crore. A new 'Haryana Agri Discom' will provide uninterrupted power to agricultural feeders.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has now marked Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem as the next target for elimination after killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Australian sharemarket began the week flat. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw minor gains. Miners and energy stocks performed well. Financials experienced a decline. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East impacted investor sentiment. Karoon Energy and Resolute Mining were among the top gainers. Zip Co and SiteMinder were notable decliners.

Israel's Iron Beam: Israel has officially deployed its laser-based air defense system, the Iron Beam, in a historic combat debut to intercept an aggressive wave of strikes launched by Hezbollah late Sunday. The escalation follows the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the joint U.S.-Israeli Operation Epic Fury and Operation Lions Roar.

The NEET UG 2026 registration is now open on neet.nta.nic.in, with the deadline for application submission and fee payment set for March 8, 2026. Candidates must complete the online process before the specified times. The exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026.

Dubai hit by Iran: Explosions and drone interceptions were reported across Dubai over the weekend as Iranian retaliatory strikes spread across the Gulf countries. Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, Dubai airport, the iconic Dubai's Palm Jumeirah man-made island were also attacked. Fire was also reported at Dubais Jebel Ali Port, the citys primary sea terminal and a major global shipping hub

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, born in Yorkshire, believes music possesses a profound ability to unite people for a cause. He asserts that a eautiful song is an unparalleled method for conveying a message, directly touching emotions and making ideas more accessible. Sheeran emphasizes music's power beyond entertainment, highlighting its influence in shaping opinions and inspiring change.

Multiple banks and schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Monday, triggering extensive security checks and evacuations. Authorities dispatched police, bomb disposal, and dog squads to the affected institutions, including Axis Bank, SBI branches, and several prominent schools. Investigations are underway to trace the origin of the threats, with no suspicious findings reported so far.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has reportedly decided to impose an unprecedented fine of 50 lakh (PKR) on each national player following their failure to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The decision was reportedly finalized as early as the group stage following a high-profile loss to India.

Kuwait's Defence Ministry reported multiple U.S. warplanes crashed. All crew members survived and received medical care. This incident occurs as tensions rise in West Asia. Iran had previously claimed to shoot down a U.S. fighter jet. The region faces escalating conflict following recent strikes. Multiple locations across the region were reportedly targeted.

An Indian Ashok Leyland bus in Dubai withstood a direct hit from Iranian missile debris. The vehicle sustained only minor damage, with shattered windows and a dented rear. Videos of the resilient bus are circulating widely online. The incident has generated national pride among Indians and humorous online content.

Holika Dahan in 2026 marks the eve of Holi. The ritual involves lighting bonfires to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. People will gather with loved ones to offer prayers and share wishes for happiness and prosperity. The sacred fire signifies the burning away of negativity. This tradition celebrates faith and positivity.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have escalated condemnation of Iran after Gulf states held emergency talks and warned of possible collective retaliation over regional strikes. The Gulf Cooperation Council said members may take 'necessary measures' to protect sovereignty, while urging the UN to act. Tensions are surging as Tehran expands attacks across neighbouring states, following the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and expectations voiced by Donald Trump that military operations could

Iran -Israel Latest News: Former National Security Advisor General Mike Flynn has highlighted a staggering escalation in the Middle East, reporting that Irans newly appointed acting Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Arafi, has been killed in fresh strikes on Tehran. Arafi had been elevated to the position only hours earlier following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Watch Iranian Missile Evading: As the Middle East descends into a high-intensity regional war, a viral video has emerged purportedly showing an Iranian Fattah ballistic missile outmaneuvering more than ten interceptor rockets over a night sky, believed by many to be Jerusalem.

The Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India has strongly responded to a Sports Ministry order. The ministry barred the council from using 'India' or 'Indian' in its name. DCCI calls this action selective and targeted. It argues other bodies use 'India' without similar directives. DCCI seeks withdrawal of the order and formal recognition from the ministry.

IBPS Clerk Mains Result 2026 Out: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) released the Clerk Mains Examination Result today, March 2, 2026. Candidates can check their results on ibps.in for the recruitment of 15,701 Customer Service Associate vacancies. The exam was held on November 29 and December 2, 2026.

West Bengal Assembly elections 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party is launching a 'Poribortan Yatra' across West Bengal. Senior leaders Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh will flag off separate legs of this campaign. The yatra aims to hold the Trinamool Congress government accountable. It will traverse thousands of kilometers, culminating in a rally led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

France's President Emmanuel Macron is detailing the nation's nuclear deterrence strategy. This comes as European allies worry about potential US withdrawal and Russian aggression. France, the EU's sole nuclear power, maintains a defensive stance. The country possesses advanced nuclear capabilities including submarines and fighter jets. Macron's speech emphasizes France's commitment to its security and that of Europe.

The DMK is actively preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections. The party's manifesto committee is gathering public expectations and discussing proposals for governance, welfare, and development. A major State Conference is scheduled for March 9 in Tiruchirappalli, where key electoral promises are expected to be announced. This event is seen as a crucial turning point for the DMK's campaign.

Food safety authorities seized and destroyed over 1,400 kg of adulterated khoya and paneer, along with 400 kg of expired food items in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. These raids, conducted before the Holi festival, aimed to protect public health from contaminated dairy products and expired ingredients.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark J Carney in New Delhi. The leaders held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House. Discussions focused on trade, investment, energy, and critical minerals. They also reviewed cooperation in education and people-to-people ties.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has approached the Delhi High Court. It challenges the discharge of 23 individuals in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The agency alleges the trial court conducted a mini-trial. It claims the order was illegal and based on a selective reading of evidence. The High Court will hear the plea on March 9.

Recent events have significantly weakened Iran's influence in the Middle East. Following the October 7 Hamas attacks, Israel launched a strong military response. This led to a series of attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, resulting in the death of its supreme leader. The conflict has expanded, impacting groups like Hezbollah and Houthi rebels.

While paneer and soya are famous protein staples in India, they are far from the only options available in a traditional kitchen. Here is the story of seven high-protein Indian foods that offer diverse nutrients, textures, and health benefits for 2026.

Kuwait successfully intercepted hostile drones on Monday. This marks the third consecutive day of Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf nations. The incidents follow alleged attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. Kuwaiti air defenses neutralized most drones, with no reported injuries. Loud sounds and sirens were heard across Kuwait.

March 2026 brings numerous holiday closures for Indian schools, colleges, and banks due to major religious and cultural festivals like Holi, Eid al-Fitr, and Ram Navami. State-specific observances and local traditions will dictate the exact dates, with many institutions observing multi-day breaks for key events.

US and Israel forces have launched strikes against Iran. Advanced weapons including B-2 bombers, Tomahawk missiles, and F-35 and F-18 fighter jets were deployed. The US also utilized low-cost drones modeled on Iranian designs. Naval warships and ground forces supported the operations. These actions mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Today's word of the day: Bumfuzzled is a playful adjective meaning confused or perplexed. IN simple terms, it means feeling mentally muddled or unsure about what is happening.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard is a powerful force within its government. It oversees missiles and conducts overseas attacks. The Guard's influence grew after the 1979 revolution and a war with Iraq. It has expanded into private enterprise. The Guard's Quds Force supports regional groups against Israel and the United States.

US officials told Congress there was no intelligence indicating Iran planned to attack first. The remarks followed the United States major strikes on Iran. Democrats criticized President Trump's decision as a 'war of choice.' The conflict has resulted in American casualties, with three troops killed and five wounded. The US military has targeted more than a thousand Iranian sites.

A fire erupted at Ecuador's largest oil refinery, Petroecuador's Esmeraldas facility. The blaze occurred in the charge pumps of a processing unit. Operations were temporarily halted as firefighters brought the situation under control. This marks the second incident at the refinery this year. The company stated the flames were from spilled material and did not pose a spreading risk.

Afghanistans Ministry of National Defense said it carried out airstrikes on major Pakistani military installations, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, in response to what it described as Pakistani raids on Afghan territory.