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.

The move is expected to benefit over seven crore active EPFO subscribers and nearly 30 crore total subscribers. This is one of the highest interest rate offered by any savings schemes in the country.

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.

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has decided to keep the provident fund interest rate at 8.25 percent for the financial year 2025-26. This rate remains unchanged from the previous year. The decision follows a period of softer equity markets and easing bond yields.

Qatar has intercepted Iranian attacks targeting its international airport and civilian infrastructure. The nation has warned that these actions will not go unanswered. Doha is not currently in dialogue with Tehran. Tensions are rising as regional conflict intensifies. Missile and drone attacks have been reported across West Asia.

World War 3 news: Amid the rising tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones in the Gulf region, there are speculations that World War III may break out anytime soon. Amid the growing fears, people are searching list of the safest countries to seek shelter. Some of the countries to seek shelter if WWIII breaks out are New Zealand, Switzerland, Fiji, South Africa, Chile, Indonesia, Bhutan, Tuvalu and more.

March 2026 brings several dry days across India. Alcohol sales will be banned on March 4 for Holi, March 21 for Eid-ul-Fitr, March 26 for Ram Navami, and March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. Maharashtra will also observe a dry day on March 23 for Shaheed Diwas. These restrictions affect liquor shops and establishments serving alcohol.

Why are gold and silver prices rising now, and will gold surge to $6,000 and silver to $200? Gold prices rose after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Safe-haven demand increased. Silver, platinum, and palladium also gained. Reports say gold may reach $6,000 if West Asia tensions continue.

Godavari Biorefineries is set to launch a new grain-based distillery in the June quarter. This facility will allow the company to use both sugarcane and corn as feedstock, depending on market prices. The move aims to diversify operations and ensure year-round production.

Recent US and Israeli airstrikes targeted key Iranian sites, including Supreme Leader Khamenei's compound. Reports suggest Iran deployed its newly acquired Chinese HQ-9B air defense system around nuclear facilities. However, these installations were reportedly hit. China denies supplying the HQ-9B. This system previously failed to protect Pakistani targets during India's Operation Sindoor.

Blue God Entertainment has acquired Legends League Cricket for Rs 49 crore. This marks a significant development as it becomes the first cricket league to be represented by a listed Indian entity. The deal integrates sports, entertainment, and capital markets. This partnership aims to enhance global expansion and create a new model for sports intellectual property ownership and monetization.

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.

Britain's competition watchdog is investigating major hotel groups Hilton, InterContinental Hotels, and Marriott. The probe also includes data firm CoStar. Regulators suspect these companies may be sharing sensitive information. This practice could reduce competition and affect consumer prices. CoStar and IHG are cooperating with the inquiry. Marriott and Hilton have not yet commented.

Raseshwari Devi Ji Seva Samman Award: Raseshwari Devi Ji recently received the Seva Samman Award at the 2026 Spiritual Conclave Odisha, for her work in both spiritual education and social consciousness. Raseshwari Devi Ji is a dedicated student of Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj through whom she began her spiritual path after graduating with degrees in Mathematics and English. She has organised more than 300 spiritual programs in 140 cities in 11 states.

Iran reports over 555 deaths from US and Israeli strikes. The attacks have impacted 131 cities across the country. The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed the casualties in a statement. These strikes began two days ago. The humanitarian organization described the events as terrorist attacks.

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.

India and Canada have signed a uranium supply agreement and several pacts. Cooperation in critical minerals and renewable energy is set to grow. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. This partnership signifies strong confidence and shared democratic values between the two countries.

China has denied reports that Iran used Chinese missiles in its recent attacks, calling the claims false. The foreign ministry said it opposes such malicious claims and dismissed the reports as untrue.

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.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the bloc's solidarity with member states against any threats following a drone strike on a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus. She reiterated the EU's firm stance, emphasizing collective support for its members in the face of danger.

Israel-Iran war: Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US assets across the Gulf and Middle East countries, targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, following a joint US-Israel strike. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuwait, Beirut, Manama, Erbil, Baghdad are some of the prominent Middle East countries attacked in the ongoing conflict.

Holi AI photo prompts for 2026: As Holi 2026 approaches, social media buzzes with AI-generated images. Users can transform photos into stunning Holi scenes. Prompts create traditional celebrations, Bollywood splashes, dreamy portraits, and more. From water balloon fights to royal palace themes and neon parties, AI offers diverse festive artwork. Even cartoon and goddess-inspired styles are possible.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel operation. The strike followed months of intelligence gathering and planning. Israeli jets launched munitions at a secure compound in Tehran. This event marks a significant development with unclear implications for future conflicts. Iran had succession plans in place for its leadership.