Saturday
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Kerala has 2,71,42,952 voters for the 2026 elections. The roll includes 1,39,21,868 women voters and 1,32,20,811 men voters. There are also 273 transgender voters. The voter roll details are being published ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls.
The Indian government reduced central excise duty on petrol and diesel. The move aims to shield domestic consumers from potential price hikes due to global energy market volatility. The reduction follows escalating tensions in West Asia, which have impacted global oil prices.
The Modi government and its allies assert the recent excise duty cut on petrol and diesel serves as a 'protective shield' for the nation. This proactive, pro-people measure, they claim, insulates citizens and the economy from volatile global energy prices and the West Asia crisis, affirming a commitment to public welfare, affordability, and supply stability.
Opposition leaders, primarily from Congress, slam the government's excise duty cut on petrol and diesel as a political ploy ahead of upcoming elections. They argue it delivers no genuine consumer relief, citing unchanged retail fuel prices despite the duty cut. Critics further note the government's prior inaction on prices when global crude oil fell.
ECI suspends Basanti police inspector-in-charge Avijit Paul. The suspension is in the context of upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. The suspension follows a violent incident during an election campaign on March 26.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended Basanti Police Inspector Avijit Paul with immediate effect, citing serious negligence and dereliction of duty. The ECI found Paul failed to make adequate arrangements or requisition available Central Armed Police Forces during violent clashes at a BJP campaign, which left several injured. This action reinforces the ECI's mandate to hold officials accountable for lapses in maintaining election security.
BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb directly blamed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the violent clashes in Basanti. Deb accused "Jihadis" and goons of orchestrating attacks on party workers and law enforcement, asserting that the TMC leadership was fostering an atmosphere of violence and lawlessness during the elections.
Elon Musk joined a phone call between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump. The call took place amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The involvement of a private citizen in a call between two heads of state is an unusual development.
Bomb threat emails were sent to multiple government and court buildings across India. Bomb threats to public buildings can cause significant disruption and require extensive security responses. Multiple locations received threats on the same day, indicating a coordinated or widespread event.
Yemen's Houthis declared readiness for direct military intervention. The Houthis are an Iran-aligned group based in Yemen. The statement was made on Friday, following escalating tensions and "American-Israeli aggression" against Iran and allied groups. "We confirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention" was attributed to Yahya Saree.
The Houthis declared their 'fingers are on the trigger' for direct military intervention, warning they would join the conflict if other nations allied with the US and Israel against Iran, or if the Red Sea was used for hostile operations. This explicit threat, backed by their ability to target key shipping lanes, significantly raises the prospect of a broader regional confrontation and immediate escalation.
The Houthis declare their readiness for direct military intervention, asserting it fulfills a religious and moral responsibility to confront escalating 'American-Israeli aggression.' They frame this action as a principled stand against attacks on Iran, the 'Axis of Resistance,' and the wider Muslim world, explicitly linking such aggression to 'Greater Israel' ambitions.
Three individuals were arrested in Vijayawada for suspected terror links. The arrests were made following a tip-off. The arrested individuals were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
IUML suspends leader over 'derogatory' remarks against CPI(M) woman MLA. U Prathibha is an LDF candidate for the upcoming state assembly polls. Alappuzha district collector orders case over derogatory remark against woman MLA.
US President Donald Trump spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Trump reposted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer to mediate between the US and Iran. Trump announced a five-day pause on military strikes against Iran.
A scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP MLAs in the J&K Assembly. National Conference MLAs also protested in solidarity with Iran over the killing of its Supreme Leader. Congress MLAs raised slogans against PM Modi, and a BJP MLA responded by calling Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'.
National Conference MLAs, with the J&K government's backing, are asserting strong solidarity with Iran following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israel military strikes. They are demanding India's top leadership condemn the incident, which they view as a clear violation of international law. This stance was articulated during protests inside and outside the J&K Assembly.
Amidst a scuffle and opposition slogans against Prime Minister Modi in the J&K Assembly, BJP and government officials defended the Prime Minister's handling of the West Asia crisis. They emphasized the need for a unified national effort, supporting Modi's initiative to consult Chief Ministers on the conflict and ensure a positive resolution.
A study found Delhi among the worst performers in single-use plastic ban compliance. India banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic items from July 1, 2022.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed Parliament there are 85,510 waqf properties in West Bengal. Of 23,091 initiated on a portal, 716 were approved and 161 rejected in six months. West Bengal is preparing for upcoming state assembly elections.
The ongoing scrutiny of waqf properties in West Bengal, coupled with a shifting political landscape, challenges the Trinamool Congress's traditional support among minority communities. Smaller Muslim outfits and the Congress party are actively seeking to gain ground, intensifying electoral pressure on the TMC ahead of upcoming elections.
Decades of political appeasement and preferential treatment in West Bengal have failed to satisfy the Muslim community, leading to a demographic shift. This perceived failure has spurred a growing interest in 'political Islam' among Muslim voters, fundamentally altering traditional voting patterns in the state.
U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Strait of Trump' and asserted it was not an accident. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit chokepoint. Trump's remarks come amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing diplomatic talks.
President Trump provocatively renamed the Strait of Hormuz the 'Strait of Trump,' asserting his remarks were intentional. This aggressive stance included demands for Iran to fully reopen the strait, threatening to 'obliterate' power plants, yet also positioning it as a key element in potential negotiations.
President Trump asserts his legacy as a 'great peacemaker,' citing claims of settling multiple long-running wars. This self-portrayal emerges even as he provocatively renames the Strait of Hormuz the 'Strait of Trump' and issues stark warnings to Iran, including threats to 'obliterate' its power plants if it fails to reopen the waterway.
The Indian men's senior football team's head coach and players were denied entry to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi ahead of an AFC Asian Cup Qualifier game against Hong Kong. The denial was due to a dispute over a non-payment of a mandatory security deposit, for which the Kerala Football Association was responsible.
Indian rupee and bonds are set to extend losses. The ongoing conflict in West Asia is creating economic shockwaves globally. The West Asia war has entered its fourth week, impacting markets.
India's financial markets face an extended downturn as the West Asia conflict enters its fourth week, exerting significant negative pressure. Both the Indian rupee and government bonds are expected to extend their losses, with the ongoing war identified as a key factor driving this continued economic vulnerability.
The West Asia conflict is extending its economic reach, creating broader disruption for Indian trade and industry. Leather exporters are already facing shrinking orders and surging costs. Meanwhile, critical energy supply chains show signs of strain, with India-bound LPG ships anchored near the Hormuz Strait.
Koneru Humpy withdrew from the 2026 Women's Candidates tournament in Cyprus. The Women's Candidates tournament is a key path to the world chess title. Cyprus Chess Federation president Criton Tornaritis has publicly criticized Humpy's decision.
MS Dhoni to miss first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to calf strain. MS Dhoni is a star keeper-batter and former skipper for Chennai Super Kings. The franchise announced his unavailability on the opening day of the tournament.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned petrol pumps could be shut if people continue to camp outside them. Panic buying of fuel has led to long queues at petrol pumps. The warning comes amid long queues at petrol pumps and reports of panic buying.
Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar will return to Surrey for the last eight County Championship matches this summer. Rahul Chahar is an Indian cricketer who previously played for Surrey. Chahar took 10 wickets on debut for Surrey in the previous season.
A professor allegedly proposed to a student in a Bengaluru classroom. The incident occurred in Karnataka. The incident sparked chaos and uproar.
Saturday
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Clashes erupted during a Ram Navami procession in Raghunathganj, Murshidabad. Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. The violence led to arson, vandalism, looting, injuries, and the imposition of Section 144.
Tiger Woods was arrested on Friday in Florida following a rollover car crash. Tiger Woods is a famous professional golfer. Arrest and charges were made public following the incident.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns of the Global South regarding energy, fertilizer, and food security at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France. The G7 is an intergovernmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The meeting occurred on March 26-27.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used the G7 platform to forcefully advocate for the Global South, raising critical concerns over energy, food, and fertiliser security. He pressed for urgent reforms in global governance, including the UN Security Council, to create a more equitable world order. Jaishankar also highlighted the impact of West Asia conflicts on trade, calling for resilient corridors and supply chains.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted the urgent need for resilient trade corridors and supply chains at the G7, directly linking this imperative to the uncertainties of West Asia conflicts. He underscored the strategic importance of initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and freedom of navigation to safeguard global economic security. India's Free Trade Agreements further enhance IMEC's utility.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy laid the foundation for Rs 351 crore development works at the Bhadrachalam temple. The development works are part of the expansion and beautification of the temple complex.
Israeli air strikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities. Tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating in the West Asia region. The strikes occurred hours after a warning from Israel. "the country's military would escalate its assault on the Islamic Republic in response to the targeting of civilians" was attributed to Israel Katz.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approval for MUFG Bank's stake acquisition in Shriram Finance. MUFG Bank is a Japanese lender and Shriram Finance is an NBFC. MUFG Bank will acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance via preferential allotment.
Opposition MPs protested in Parliament over LPG supply issues. The AAP protested over LPG cylinder shortages outside the Delhi Assembly. TMC MP Saugata Roy criticized the government's handling of the LPG crisis. Opposition parties are raising concerns about the availability of LPG cylinders.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The meeting covered discussions on state development and key projects. Dhami extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Uttarakhand.
Asaduddin Owaisi accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of using Muslim votes for electoral gain without working for the community. Owaisi's AIMIM has allied with AJUP for the West Bengal polls. Owaisi suggested that his coalition could become a decisive factor in government formation if the election results in a fractured mandate.
Karnataka government cancels RSS event on Deendayal Upadhyay at KSOU. Deendayal Upadhyay was a prominent ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event was cancelled with immediate effect due to alleged protocol violations.
Iran-linked hackers claimed to have breached FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account. Kash Patel is the Director of the FBI. The Handala Hack Team claimed to have leaked personal photos and documents from Kash Patel's email.
An Iran-linked cybercrime group breached FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email, leaking private photos and documents. The hackers explicitly stated their intent to expose the FBI's security vulnerabilities and publicly embarrass US officials. This action deliberately challenges US institutional integrity by publicizing Patel as a "successfully hacked victim."
News reports describe the Iran-linked cyberattack on FBI Director Kash Patel's email as an extension of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Outlets characterize the breach as a manifestation of broader regional instability and the 'West Asia war,' aiming to embarrass U.S. officials.
Iran launched missiles at Israel with messages of gratitude towards India inscribed on them. Iran's missile launches are part of an escalating Middle East conflict. Missiles launched by Iran bore messages of gratitude towards India.
Chennai court rejects Ramadoss' plea to freeze PMK's 'mango' symbol. The plea concerns the allocation of the 'mango' symbol within the PMK party. A Chennai court rejected a plea by PMK founder Ramadoss to freeze the party's 'mango' symbol.
Dhurandhar 2 crosses Rs 1,088 crore globally. Dhurandhar 2 is a recent Bollywood film starring Ranveer Singh. The film continues to break box office records. "Dhurandhar 2 is Ranveer Singhs careerbest work" was attributed to Karan Johar.
Supreme Court ruling on Scheduled Caste status for converts. The ruling impacts the eligibility of Christians and Muslims for reservations and benefits historically reserved for Scheduled Castes. The Supreme Court stated that caste status, once lost due to conversion, results in the termination of all statutory protections, reservations, and entitlements associated with SC identity.
Inventory of the Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar begins after 48 years. The Ratna Bhandar is a treasury within the Jagannath Temple complex. The inventory is commencing after a 48-year gap.
A child gifted a toy bulldozer to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The gift was presented on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri in Gorakhpur, the same day Adityanath performed 'Kanya Pujan'. This day also coincides with Ram Navami.
Denmark's general election produced an inconclusive result. The inconclusive election leaves the future of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen unclear. Exit polls and initial results indicate no clear winner.
Parliamentary panels flag underuse of funds, vacancies, and project delays across various government sectors. Parliamentary panels scrutinize government functioning and spending. Reports from multiple parliamentary committees have been tabled in Parliament, highlighting these issues.
Parliamentary panels have identified significant deficiencies across government operations, citing underfunded and underutilized resources, persistent vacancies in education, and stalled infrastructure projects with reactive maintenance. These findings point to systemic implementation gaps and resource management failures impacting critical sectors like schools, highways, and women and child welfare schemes.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Border Roads Organisation's extensive infrastructure projects, affirming the government's strategic commitment to enhancing all-weather access in remote areas. With over 1,000 road and connectivity initiatives planned through 2028, this push is crucial for bolstering defence preparedness and strengthening border management, especially along sensitive frontiers like the Indo-Myanmar border.
Friday
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Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The cess is intended to fund welfare schemes for widows and orphaned children. The bill enables the state government to levy a cess of up to Rs 5 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel.
The Himachal Pradesh government passed legislation to levy a fuel cess of up to Rs 5 per litre, establishing a dedicated revenue stream for welfare schemes benefiting widows and orphaned children. Despite opposition boycotts, officials emphasize the cess's flexibility in rate setting and assert a commitment to keeping fuel prices competitive compared to neighboring states.
Himachal's opposition BJP fiercely condemns the new fuel cess, warning it will impose an 'additional economic burden' and fuel inflation. They denounce the state budget as a 'bundle of lies designed to mislead,' alleging it's a tactic to raise funds under the guise of welfare schemes. BJP legislators boycotted the bill's passage, citing concerns over public burden.
Long queues were observed at petrol pumps in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. The panic buying was fueled by rumors of a shortage. Panic buying occurred despite government assurances of adequate fuel stocks. "There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country" was attributed to Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Long queues formed at petrol pumps across Uttar Pradesh, including Lakhimpur Kheri, as rumors of a fuel shortage triggered a 46% surge in demand and widespread panic buying. The Central government and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are actively reassuring citizens that fuel supplies remain stable and adequate nationwide, urging them to avoid unnecessary purchases. Officials confirm refineries operate at high capacity with ample crude inventories, countering public anxiety and preventing further disruption.
Widespread rumors of a fuel shortage have sparked panic buying across Uttar Pradesh, triggering a 46% surge in demand and long queues at petrol pumps. Despite government appeals and assurances of stable supply and adequate stocks nationwide, misinformation continues to drive public behavior, challenging market stability.
Amidst global energy crises, the central government has reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel while imposing a windfall tax on exports. This policy aims to protect citizens from international fuel price fluctuations, underscoring the government's commitment to public welfare and balancing economic challenges.
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 858 crore for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and inspection of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The contracts aim to enhance India's air defence capabilities and ensure maintenance of naval aircraft.
Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister. Balendra Shah is a structural engineer and was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. The swearing-in ceremony occurred on Friday.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that the military could collapse due to manpower shortages. The Israeli military faces troop shortages exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. The warning comes amid ongoing operational pressures and worsening manpower shortages.
IDF Chief of Staff Zamir warned of the military's potential collapse due to a 12,000-troop shortage, citing 10 "red flags." He urged legislative action, including a conscription law and extended service, to ensure readiness. This follows a High Court ruling invalidating Haredi exemptions, intensifying calls for universal service amidst the crisis.
The Israeli opposition sharply criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, alleging its 'multi-front war without strategy' has driven military forces to the brink of collapse. They contend this approach has created a profound 'security disaster' that threatens to fracture national unity, with the IDF chief himself warning of critical manpower shortages.
Balendra Shah sworn in as Nepal's 47th Prime Minister. Balendra Shah is a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician who previously served as Kathmandu mayor. Balendra Shah is 35 years old.
Balendra Shah's ascent to Nepal's premiership at 35 years old signals a profound generational shift in the nation's political landscape. His background as a rapper-turned-politician, who previously won the Kathmandu mayoral race as an independent, marks a clear departure from traditional leadership. This moment underscores a new era where younger, non-establishment figures are taking the helm.
Balendra Shah's swearing-in marks a historic moment, making him Nepal's first Prime Minister from the Madhes region. His appointment elevates the southern plains bordering India to the nation's top leadership, signaling a significant new dimension of regional representation. This breakthrough underscores the growing political influence of the Madhesi community.
The Indian government slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel. The Strait of Hormuz is a key conduit for global oil flows, and its closure affects shipping and gas supplies. The reduction comes amid a global energy crisis and supply chain disruptions triggered by the Iran conflict.
The Indian government reduced excise duties on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and eliminated them on diesel, stating the move aims to alleviate financial pressure on oil marketing companies. This relief is deemed necessary as OMCs face losses from surging global crude prices and supply disruptions, largely attributed to the US-Israel war on Iran and the consequent Strait of Hormuz blockade. Officials also present the cuts as a measure to shield citizens from market volatility.
The government's decision to slash excise duties on petrol and diesel has ignited a sharp political debate. While some leaders hail the move as essential relief for the middle class, others contend it is primarily a strategic play driven by upcoming electoral considerations, fueling contention over the true intent behind the tax cut.
An explosion occurred at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas. The explosion comes amid a spike in gas prices driven by uncertainty over the global oil supply because of the Iran war. The fire has been extinguished and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15. The summit aims to stabilize bilateral relations and address critical international issues. The meeting was rescheduled due to U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers to review India's preparedness amid the West Asia conflict. The West Asia conflict has led to global disruptions in energy supply and trade. The meeting was convened to assess the potential impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict on India's energy security, supply chains, and economic stability.
Kerala CPI(M) secretary MV Govindan accused the UDF of maintaining a relationship with the RSS and criticized Congress leader VD Satheesan for spreading lies. Ahead of upcoming assembly elections, political parties in Kerala are exchanging sharp criticisms and accusations. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called Rahul Gandhi and the Congress the 'B-team' of the BJP.
Iran accused the United States and Israel of war crimes at the UN Human Rights Council over a deadly attack on a girls' school in Minab. The accusations follow a reported attack on the Shajare Tayyebe Elementary School in Minab, southern Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister delivered these accusations during an urgent debate at the UNHRC.
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of 'war crimes' and 'crimes against humanity' for a deliberate attack on a girls' school that killed over 175 students and teachers. Addressing the UN, Araghchi demanded international accountability, warning that global institutions would be undermined by continued silence. He further alleged the US had twice betrayed diplomacy, asserting Iran's right to self-defense.
Mohaddeseh Fallahat, a grieving mother who lost two children in the Minab school attack, brought the devastating human impact directly to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Her emotional testimony served to underscore the profound personal tragedy and suffering caused by the incident, aiming to highlight the victims' plight and demand international attention for the alleged war crime.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change sought a report from Odisha regarding a claim that 2,000 trees might be felled for a building project at NIT. A complaint was filed by an environmental activist. The state's SCB Medical College and Hospital superintendent was removed six days after a fire tragedy.
NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Jessi Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com. The house fire occurred on a Saturday.
Sonia Gandhi is expected to be discharged from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital within the next day or two. Her health has improved since her admission on the night of March 24 for a systemic infection. Sonia Gandhi is a veteran Congress leader and Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party.
The Centre has increased commercial LPG allocation to 70% of pre-crisis levels to shield industries amid global fuel disruptions. The West Asia conflict is disrupting critical LPG imports through the Strait of Hormuz. India has a one-month LPG supply secured.
The white match ball turned pink during the PSL 2026 opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen due to color transfer from the Kingsmen's jerseys. Captain Marnus Labuschagne expressed bewilderment, stating, "Never Seen Anything Like This." Former cricketer Kamran Akmal criticized the league over the poor-quality kits. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league.
The Pakistan Super League's 2026 opener was marred by a bizarre incident where the white match ball turned pink from jersey dye, sparking immediate criticism from former players and baffling international stars. This highly visible quality control failure, alongside reported broadcast issues, has ignited widespread disappointment among fans and critics. The league now faces significant reputational damage and scrutiny over its professionalism and execution standards.
The Pakistan Super League is facing sharp criticism for allegedly mirroring innovations from the Indian Premier League, rather than forging its own distinct identity. The league's new rule allowing two playing XIs, seen as a direct copy of a three-year-old IPL feature, fuels accusations that the PSL is merely imitating its rival in a bid to compete.
The Surya Tilak ceremony illuminated the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The Surya Tilak is an event where a beam of sunlight precisely falls on the forehead of the idol. The ceremony occurred on Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram.
Iran mobilizes over 1 million ground troops to counter a US invasion threat. The region is experiencing heightened conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel. Escalating tensions and potential for ground war with the US.
The Middle East conflict intensifies as Iran and US-Israel forces remain locked in a continuous cycle of military actions. Iran has launched an 83rd wave of retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli assets, while joint US-Israel attacks have killed nearly 2,000 in Iran and damaged historic sites. This persistent engagement from both sides fuels a fast-spreading war.
US and Israeli airstrikes have exacted a severe human toll in Iran, with nearly 2,000 people dead and six killed in recent attacks in Qom. The conflict has also ravaged Iran's cultural heritage, destroying over 120 museums and historic buildings, including the iconic Golestan Palace. This widespread destruction underscores the profound impact on civilian life and national treasures.
Amid escalating US-Israel strikes that have killed nearly 2,000 in Iran, including six in Qom, Tehran has mobilized over a million ground troops to counter a potential US invasion. The US is weighing sending 10,000 more troops to the Middle East, fueling expert warnings of a global economic meltdown. China and other international actors are calling for urgent talks to de-escalate the deepening conflict.