The Economic Times

A devastating explosion at a firecracker unit in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, has claimed 21 lives. The blast occurred in Vetlapalem village, Samarlakota mandal. Officials confirmed the rising death toll, including nine women. The owner of Surya Sri Fire Works was among the deceased.

Iran's parliament speaker has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel. He labelled their leaders as filthy criminals. He stated they have crossed a red line. He promised devastating blows for their attacks on Iran. He said they will pay the price for their actions. The speaker vowed they will be driven to beg.

Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes on Sunday targeting US military bases in the region and Israel, state media said, in retaliation for a massive attack that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Twenty-seven US bases in the region, as well as Israel's military headquarters and a defence industries complex in Tel Aviv, were among the targets, Iranian state TV said. bur/hmn/fox

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin marked his 73rd birthday with a pledge to safeguard Tamil language and state interests. He emphasized the transformative impact of the 'Dravidian Model' governance, asserting it has elevated Tamil Nadu. Stalin called for unity to protect the state's ideological path.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Iran against escalating its attacks, saying the United States would respond with overwhelming force if Tehran followed through on its threats. Posting on Truth Social after Iran acknowledged the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump wrote, Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before.

Army troops fired over a dozen rounds at a Pakistani drone that crossed the Line of Control into Poonchs Digwar area early Sunday. The drone retreated to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, prompting a search operation to rule out any weapon or narcotics drop.

Manipur Police apprehended three militants involved in extortion activities. Two cadres of the United National Liberation Front were arrested in Imphal East district. A pistol and ammunition were recovered. One cadre from the Kangleipak Communist Party was apprehended in Imphal West district. Security forces continue search operations in vulnerable areas.

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.

Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and two-time Nobel laureate, championed intellectual curiosity. Her famous quote urges a focus on ideas over personalities, emphasizing that true progress stems from exploring concepts and possibilities. This perspective fosters deeper thinking, critical evaluation, and ultimately, drives innovation and meaningful change, moving the world forward.

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.

Tragedy struck Nagpur on Sunday morning. An explosion ripped through the SBL Energy Limited factory in Raulgaon. At least 15 people lost their lives in the devastating blast. The incident occurred at the detonator packing unit. Injured individuals were rushed to a Nagpur hospital.

A devastating blast ripped through an explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur district on Sunday morning. At least 15 people lost their lives in the incident at SBL Energy Limited's detonator packing unit. Injured individuals were promptly transported to a Nagpur hospital. Rescue operations are currently in progress at the site.

Hundreds of Shia Muslims in Srinagar protested Sunday after Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes, carrying portraits, black flags, and chanting mourning hymns. The demonstrations remained peaceful, expressing solidarity with Iran amid widespread grief at home, where 40 days of national mourning have been declared.

India's badminton star PV Sindhu is stuck in Dubai after airlines cancelled all flights due to escalating military tensions in the Gulf. Sindhu's father told the media that his daughter was being cared for by the Indian Embassy in Dubai. The badminton player also took to X to apprise everyone of her well-being during the crisis.

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.

Hours after President Trump announced the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israel strike, a cryptic message appeared on X invoking Imam Ali. Iran's state television later confirmed Khamenei's death in air strikes, announcing 40 days of mourning and raising questions about succession and the nation's future.

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.

Jammu and Kashmir won their first Ranji Trophy title on Saturday after their final against Karnataka ended in a draw, with J&K taking the trophy on the basis of a first-innings lead. The victory marks the teams maiden title in the tournaments history and drew praise from leaders across parties and the cricketing world.

Protests against Israel and US actions targeting Iran swept through Shia-dominated areas of Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with Tehran. Political leaders condemned the aggression, while Indian students in Iran urgently appealed for safe evacuation amidst escalating tensions and uncertainty.

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.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in Israeli and US strikes, Iranian state media said on Sunday.

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.

Since the October 7th attack, Israel has eliminated numerous senior officials from Iran's proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Recent reports indicate the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes. These actions have significantly weakened Iran's regional network and military influence.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader for nearly four decades, may have been killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike, according to President Donald Trump, though there was no immediate confirmation from Tehran. The development follows months of rising tensions over Irans nuclear program and comes after Khamenei led the deadliest crackdown of his rule against nationwide protests earlier this year.

A joint attack by Israel and the United States killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump announced Saturday. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead, Trump wrote, warning that heavy and pinpoint bombing would continue. He called the strike the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. Iran has not immediately confirmed Khameneis death.