The Economic Times

Iran war: Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned Iranian forces to lay down their arms and surrender, offering immunity, or face certain death after the Middle East plunged into a state of full-scale conflict as a combined military operation by Israel and the United States struck multiple targets across Iran.

Kerala government will implement the Assured Pension Scheme for its employees from April 1, 2026, replacing the National Pension System. New entrants can choose between the Assured Pension Scheme and the NPS, while existing NPS members will have the option to switch. The scheme guarantees a minimum pension of 50% of basic pay, with Dearness Relief added to the pension.

Rahul Gandhi urged Punjab Congress workers to unite and work as a team. He stated that no individual is bigger than the party. Gandhi warned that those who do not cooperate will be sidelined. This message comes amid reports of internal rifts within the Punjab Congress. The party aims to strengthen its position ahead of upcoming elections.

Gold and silver prices are rising as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. Analysts see safe-haven demand driving metals higher. Gold nears $5,300, silver approaches $93. Experts expect further gains if conflict escalates. U.S. inflation data and Chinese imports also influence prices. Investors watch closely for market shifts.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's ascent to the chief minister's post is framed by his brother D K Suresh as a matter of destiny. Suresh says he does not know of any MLAs' meetings backing Shivakumar's claim and urges patience as discussions unfold behind the scenes. The state government defends its guarantee schemes as promises to the people.

Explosions rock Tehran and other Iranian cities following an attack by the United States and Israel. Iranians are fleeing urban areas in fear and panic. Long queues form at gas stations as people seek safety. Schools and universities are closed indefinitely. The government urges citizens to travel to other cities for their safety.

The Delhi High Court has put a hold on the Delhi government's order for private schools to form fee regulation committees. This decision applies to the upcoming academic session. Schools will continue to charge the same fees as the previous year. The court's order comes as petitions challenging the government's notification are pending.

Flight Cancellations Update: A massive wave of flight cancellations has swept across the Middle East following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Global carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, have suspended services to multiple nations in the region, citing passenger safety as the highest priority.

The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran on Saturday, and U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to ake over your government - an extraordinary appeal that suggested the allies could be seeking to end of the country's theocracy after decades of tensions.

$128 billion vanished from the crypto market in just one hour. The Bitcoin price crash today followed confirmed Israel airstrikes on Iran and U.S. military involvement announced by Donald Trump. Bitcoin fell 3.8% to $63,038 before steadying near $64,000. Ether dropped 4.5%. The total crypto market cap slid to $2.38 trillion. Ether fell 4.5% to $1,835. XRP dropped 3.96%. President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. forces launched major combat operations in Iran, with explosions reported across multiple

The BJP has strongly criticised the Congress for its remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. The ruling party labeled the opposition an 'army of rats' for making negative comments on sensitive matters.

India and Canada are witnessing a genuine de-escalation in bilateral ties, with former envoy Ajay Bisaria noting stars are aligned for renewed relations. Both nations are handling security challenges with maturity, preventing them from derailing broader political and economic partnerships. This shift, influenced by geopolitical changes, paves the way for accelerated economic engagement and potential trade agreements.

Russia has called for an immediate stop to United States and Israeli strikes on Iran. Moscow wants the situation to return to political and diplomatic solutions. The international community should assess these actions. Russia is ready to help find peaceful solutions. These efforts will be based on international law and mutual respect.

Israel attacks Iran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was not in Tehran when Israel launched a strike near his offices. He had already been moved to a secure location. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became the supreme leader after his predecessor Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989 and he oversees the military, state media and armed forces in Iran. Both the US and Israel see him as a potential target due to the threat of nuclear weapons.

Britain has stated Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. The UK is ready to defend its interests after strikes by the United States and Israel. Britain did not participate in these strikes. The Prime Minister will hold an emergency meeting. The government has bolstered defensive capabilities in the Middle East. Britain prioritizes the safety of its citizens in the region.

Strait of Hormuz: The strait lies between Oman and Iran and links the Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 2 miles (3 km) wide in either direction.

A devastating explosion at a crackers manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village, Andhra Pradesh, has claimed at least 10 lives. Several others sustained injuries in the blast. Rescue and relief efforts are underway, with authorities confirming about 20 workers were present at the unit. The death toll may rise as operations continue.

Global oil prices are rising as the US and Israel launch a major attack on Iran. Brent crude settled at $72.48 per barrel. Analysts, including Barclays, suggest prices could rise to $80 if supply disruptions occur. Geopolitical tensions and the Strait of Hormuz risk premium are influencing the market.

Israel and the United States launched coordinated daytime strikes on Iran. This action sharply escalated tensions and narrowed prospects for diplomatic resolution of Iran's nuclear dispute. The operation, named 'Epic Fury', was planned for months. Attacks targeted areas near leadership sites. The US military buildup in the region preceded the strikes.

US, Israel attack Iran: The Middle East crisis intensified sharply after Iran launched missile strikes on major U.S. military bases in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, signaling a significant retaliatory escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Abu Dhabi Attack: Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on Abu Dhabi killed one person, marking the first known fatality in Iran's counterattack following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The conflict has spread across the Gulf, with multiple countries reporting missile threats and explosions. Indian embassies issued advisories to nationals in the UAE, Qatar, and Iran.

Recent military actions between Israel and Iran have sparked global concern. Nations worldwide are reacting to the escalating tensions. Allies are strengthening their military presence and urging calm. Ukraine blames Iran's leadership for the unrest. The European Union and Germany are closely monitoring the situation. Gulf states are alarmed by the potential for wider conflict.

WBJEE registration: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) Board has yet to announce the schedule or begin the application process for the 2026 engineering entrance test, causing widespread anxiety among students and academic institutions. With the state heading toward Assembly elections in April-May and several national-level exams already underway, WBJEE Chairperson Gautam Pal has admitted that conducting the exam on time is currently his most significant hurdle.

America has launched a major military operation against Iran. This action follows Iran's refusal to comply with nuclear deal demands. Israel and the US have expanded strikes across Iran. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks towards Israel. US bases in several Middle Eastern countries are also under attack. This marks a significant escalation of conflict in the region.

Iran Missiles: The United States and Israel have launched strikes on Iran, igniting a new conflict in the Middle East. Iran possesses a large arsenal of ballistic missiles, many capable of reaching Israel. These weapons are a significant concern for regional stability and international powers. Iran's missile program is extensive, with various types and ranges detailed in the report.

Has World War 3 started? Netizens are sharing hilarious memes online after Israel and US launched a strike on Iran amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East. The attack has sparked memes online with one user asking should we stop doing office work. Iran is preparing a strong response after Israel launched an attack on Tehran on Saturday, an Iranian official told Reuters.

Iran has launched missile attacks across the Gulf targeting military installations in several countries. This action significantly escalates the confrontation with Israel. Reports indicate strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Explosions were heard in Qatar, though missiles were intercepted. Emirati authorities also reported intercepting threats. In Iraq, airstrikes hit facilities south of Baghdad, causing casualties.

KVS 2026 Results: The results of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) 2026 have been declared on www.kvsangathan.nic.in, and www.navodaya.gov.in. Candidates can also check their scorecards online through the CBSE website. The KVS NVS 2026 Result download link is now active for the recruitment exams for various posts, including teaching and non-teaching positions.

Salman Ali Agha will be removed as Pakistan's T20 captain. Several senior players may also play their last tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is unhappy with the team's performance. Major changes are expected in the Pakistan T20 setup after the World Cup. New captains are being considered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of tarnishing Indias image through its youth wings shirtless protest at the India AI Summit, calling the party Muslim League-Maoist Congress. Addressing a rally in Ajmer, he said Congress seeks to defame the nation globally. Modi also inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 16,600 crore in Rajasthan and launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 14.

US, Israel attack Iran: Several explosions were reported across Tehran following what officials called major military operations. Iranian media said missiles hit multiple locations in the capital, including University Street and the Jomhouri district.

Tomorrowland Thailand: Tomorrowland has officially announced its first-ever Thai edition, scheduled to take place from December 11 to 13, 2026, at Wisdom Valley in Chonburi. This full-scale festival will feature iconic stages like Mainstage, CORE, and FREEDOM, alongside custom-designed environments tailored for the Khao Mai Kaew landscape. With pre-registration started from January 2026 and travel packages launches on February 28.

US President Donald Trump has warned of potential American casualties in operations against Iran. He stated that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile systems necessitates these actions. Trump mentioned repeated attempts to negotiate a deal, which Iran rejected. He described the operations as a noble mission to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran-Israel war: Bahrain reported a missile attack on the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters. This comes as the US and Israel launched strikes in Iran. Iranian media confirmed nationwide strikes. Smoke was visible over the capital. The events unfolded on Saturday.

Israel and the United States attacked Iran on Saturday. This action has reignited military confrontation in the Middle East. The article lists significant US military facilities in the region. These bases are crucial for US operations across the Middle East and beyond. Their presence highlights the strategic importance of these locations.

A Vancouver social media influencer, Tevin Douglas, faces six charges including human trafficking and sexual assault. An RCMP investigation spanning British Columbia and Ontario led to his arrest and subsequent release on conditions. The alleged offences occurred between July 2023 and December 2023, with the victim trafficked in both the Lower Mainland and Greater Toronto Area.

West Bengal police are on high alert. Security is being tightened across the state. This is due to the release of the post-SIR electoral rolls. Senior officials will monitor the situation. Alerts have been issued to several districts. All police units are in a state of extreme readiness. The Nabanna control room is also on alert for immediate action.

Nine rusted mortar shells were found by Army troops in Mankote village, Mendhar sector. The area was cordoned off and bomb disposal squads safely neutralized the ordnance. The controlled explosions caused no damage. The incident occurred near the Line of Control in Poonch district.

US President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to seize control of their government. He stated that major combat operations have commenced in Iran following Israeli strikes. Trump described these actions as a noble mission, citing Iran's nuclear weapons and missile programs. He warned Iranian officials to surrender or face death. The President encouraged citizens to take over their nation.

Israel launched airstrikes inside Iran following earlier tensions. Blasts were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran. Israel declared a nationwide emergency and warned of potential retaliation. Iran's military is large, but Israel relies on advanced technology and rapid mobilization. The conflict's escalation risks are high, potentially impacting regional stability and global trade routes.

US-Iran Conflict: Decades of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, marked by the 1979 hostage crisis and subsequent sanctions, have culminated in recent strikes. The article chronicles key events, including the 'axis of evil' designation, the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the killing of Qasem Soleimani, and recent military actions in 2025 and 2026, highlighting a volatile geopolitical landscape.

The Supreme Court urged the Centre to update British-era retirement age rules for armed forces, particularly the Coast Guard. It stayed a Delhi High Court order mandating a uniform 60-year retirement age for all ranks, emphasizing the need for an expert committee to review service conditions and recruitment-to-retirement parameters for this highly skilled force.