The Economic Times

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Death: Nearly forty-year reign of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reached a violent crossroads following massive American and Israeli airstrikes targeting the Pasteur gated compound in Tehran. While US President Donald Trump has publicly declared the 86-year-old Supreme Leader dead, Iranian officials have attempted to project a facade of control amidst reports of widespread civilian celebrations in the capital.

Fresh blasts were heard across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha and Manama on Sunday morning after a day of Iranian strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks.reporters heard blasts in Dubai, Bahrain's capital Manama and Qatar -- where AFP correspondents saw thick black smoke rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of the city.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has died in Israeli bombings. Khamenei had no Indian roots, unlike his predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini's grandfather was born in India before migrating to Iran. Khamenei succeeded Khomeini after his death in 1989. His death now sparks questions about Iran's next leader.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has launched a new scheme for manufacturers. Eligible importers can now defer customs duty payments on imported goods. This initiative aims to boost working capital for businesses. The facility will be available from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028. This move is expected to encourage investment and production within the country.

Global leaders are reacting cautiously to US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has thrown Iran's future into uncertainty. Nations are divided, with some supporting the strikes and others criticising them. Calls for de-escalation and renewed talks are growing as concerns mount over a wider regional conflict.

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Protests erupted across Kashmir on Sunday following reports of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged for calm and peace. His government is coordinating with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents in Iran. Khamenei was reportedly killed in an attack by Israel and the United States.

Hundreds of Iraqis tried to enter Baghdad's secure Green Zone on Sunday. This happened after the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Security forces stopped their attempts. Protesters threw stones. Security forces used tear gas. Videos showed people holding flags of a pro-Iran armed group. The situation remains tense.

Australia has issued a do not travel warning for several Middle Eastern nations due to escalating regional conflict, activating crisis measures to support citizens. Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Iran's destabilizing actions and urged a halt to attacks, highlighting previous incidents on Australian soil that led to diplomatic and security responses.

Olympic medallist PV Sindhu experienced a tense situation at Dubai Airport. An explosion occurred near her location, causing alarm. She and her coach were safely relocated. The incident follows major strikes in the Middle East, leading to airspace closures and flight suspensions. Sindhu is awaiting the situation to stabilize before her next competition.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India will announce CA Final exam results for November 2025 on March 1, 2026. Candidates can check online via official websites or receive scores via email. The challenging exam's outcome marks a significant step towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. A merit list and pass percentages will also be released.

Missiles and explosive drones targeted the area near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops, with loud blasts and thick smoke reported a day after several aerial threats were intercepted.

The DMK has finalized seat-sharing agreements with the IUML and MMK, granting each party two constituencies. Negotiations are ongoing with the Congress and the MDMK. Talks with the VCK and DMDK are yet to begin. The IUML will use the ladder symbol, while MMK candidates will contest using the DMK's Rising Sun symbol.

Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration has granted a free seven-day visa extension to foreign nationals stranded due to Middle East flight cancellations. This measure addresses complications arising from escalating regional tensions and widespread flight suspensions, allowing affected travelers to make alternative arrangements lawfully.

West Bengal's electoral rolls have seen a significant pruning of 63.66 lakh names, impacting voter profiles across districts ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. This demographic churn, particularly in border and minority-heavy regions, introduces uncertainty and could reshape constituency margins. The adjudication of over 60 lakh names adds another layer of electoral fluidity.

Netflix's stock surged after abandoning its $83 billion Warner Bros. Discovery bid, pocketing a $2.8 billion breakup fee. While losing a coveted studio, Netflix avoided significant debt and regulatory hurdles. Analysts suggest this disciplined financial move, focusing on its core strengths, might be a strategic win, allowing it to observe rivals merge.

Actress Sonal Chauhan is stranded in Dubai. Flights have been cancelled due to rising tensions in the Middle East. She has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assistance for a safe return to India. Many other passengers are also facing similar difficulties at Dubai International Airport.

President Donald Trump ended weeks of negotiations with Iran and launched a major military campaign after talks failed to secure limits on Tehrans nuclear and missile programs. The U.S. had built up its largest military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war, deploying aircraft carriers, destroyers and advanced fighter jets.

Operation Epic Fury, launched by President Trump, aims for regime change in Iran with ambitious goals including eliminating its nuclear program and military capabilities. While the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei offers a potential opening, the operation carries significant risks of retaliation and regional instability. The success of this unprecedented air-power-driven regime change now hinges on the Iranian people's uprising.

Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard on Sunday threatened to launch what it called its most-intense offensive operation after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has triggered questions about who will lead the country next and how the transition will unfold under its clerical system. An 88-member body known as the Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing and in theory removing the supreme leader.

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted the mountainous Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning. The tremor, felt at 01:25 am, had its epicenter five kilometers below the surface. Fortunately, officials reported no damage or casualties resulting from the seismic activity.

China's foreign ministry has voiced concern over recent US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran. Beijing is urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue. China's embassy in Israel has advised its citizens to seek safer locations or leave the country. A major airline has also suspended Middle East operations due to rising regional tensions.

The United States and Israel launched significant attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Trump outlined key objectives including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, containing its missile program, and eliminating threats to Americans and allies. The operation also aimed to address Iran's treatment of protesters and implicitly supported regime change.

Explosions and gunfire rocked Kabul on Sunday. This marks the fourth day of fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Taliban officials stated Afghan forces targeted Pakistani aircraft over the capital. Pakistan has not yet commented. The conflict follows Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan. Both nations report heavy losses. This escalation raises fears of a wider war along their border.

World leaders reacted warily to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, following reports of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. While some nations expressed support, others, including Russia and China, criticized the action. European and Middle Eastern governments largely condemned Iran's retaliation while remaining silent on the initial strikes, urging a return to negotiations.

The U.S. military deployed a range of advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and F-35 stealth fighters, in strikes against Iranian targets. For the first time in combat, the U.S. utilized low-cost, one-way attack drones modeled after Iranian designs, reflecting a new affordable mass strategy in warfare.

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session as the United States and Iran clashed over recent airstrikes. UN chief Antonio Guterres urged an end to attacks and a return to talks to prevent wider regional conflict. Ambassadors from both nations exchanged sharp words.

Israeli Air Force jets reportedly struck military targets in Iran, killing seven senior defense officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour. This action follows recent missile launches from Iran toward Israel, prompting defense system interceptions and public alerts. The strikes signal a significant escalation, with reports of joint US-Israel attacks and Iranian retaliation against Israel and US assets.

Israel and the U.S. timed strikes on Iran to coincide with a meeting of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top aides, killing him and other leaders. Intelligence pinpointed Khamenei's movements, enabling the attack. The strikes have escalated regional conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory actions.

President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his approach towards Iran. Following months of stalled negotiations, Trump ordered military strikes targeting Iranian leadership. This included the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The move signifies a significant shift in his risk assessment regarding military action against Tehran's clerical rule. This action follows previous US military operations against Iran.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced direct Iranian missile strikes, shattering the UAE's reputation as a regional safe haven. Explosions and falling debris caused panic, disrupting daily life and leading to airspace closures. The attacks threaten vital trade routes, particularly Jebel Ali Port, and could impact tourism and investment as the nation braces for potential prolonged uncertainty.

Was Burj Khalifa and Dubai mall attacked by Iranian drones, and which places have been hit in airstrikes on UAE till now? Dubai Bombing reports spread online after smoke videos surfaced. Officials confirmed a Palm Jumeirah fire. No authority confirmed a strike on Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall amid Iran Dubai tensions.

Hollywood legend Burt Lancaster believed in selling oneself first. His journey from circus acrobat to Oscar winner highlights this principle. Lancaster's life and career demonstrate that confidence and credibility are key to achieving professional and personal goals. His impactful words continue to inspire, reminding us that self-belief is the foundation for convincing others.

Indian exports of rice, tea, and fruits to Africa and West Asia face significant disruption. Joint military operations by the US and Israel, and Iran's retaliation, are expected to impact maritime traffic. This could lead to longer shipping times and increased costs for goods destined for Western markets. The situation creates uncertainty for major buyers of Indian agricultural products.

Sir Isaac Newton, a pivotal figure in the Scientific Revolution, believed that groundbreaking discoveries stem from old guesses. His theories on motion, light, and gravity, developed through daring imagination and intellectual bravery, transformed our understanding of the universe. Newton's legacy emphasizes the crucial role of creativity and courage in scientific progress.

What is Iranian Shahed-131/136 drone and did it hit high-rise building in Manama, Bahrain? A viral video claims a drone strike in Bahrain after US and Israel strikes on Iran. Airspace closures, airline suspensions, Khamenei reports, and regional tensions have raised travel disruption and security concerns.

India and Canada are set to sign a significant 10-year uranium supply agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This deal aims to strengthen bilateral ties. Canada is a major global uranium producer. The agreement will ensure a steady supply of uranium ore concentrate for India's nuclear reactors.

The United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), a BJP ally, will contest the Assam assembly elections on its own, fielding candidates in 21 constituencies. UPPL says it has become a significant political force, claiming influence that eclipses the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People's Front.

Kerala election: The interaction, titled 'Iruvar', was conducted in a format that reminded many of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2019 interview with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada is negotiating a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India, aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030. The agreement is expected to be signed by the end of the year. Carney highlighted opportunities in food, energy, critical minerals, and technology, emphasizing a strategic partnership for mutual prosperity and a more resilient future.